When Hens Lay Eggs without a Hard Shell
Occasionally you may have a hen who lays eggs that do not have a hard shell. There are a number of reasons this could happen, but all of these causes are easily cured.
- The hen could be needing more calcium in her diet. Consider adding oyster shell or egg shells to her diet.
- The hen may need more protein. Be sure to include a well-balanced layer crumble in her diet.
- The hen may be suffering from warm weather. Observe if the hen is panting and heat stressed. If so, consider adding misters into your coop.
- The hen may be young, old or molting. Age issues will typically resolve themselves over time.
- If none of the above reasons are applicable, it could simply be the hen is stressed due to other issues. Lack of a hard shell often occurs when a hen is rushed in laying. The cause of the stress could be related to something as simple as checking in on the chickens when she is in the nesting box laying and possibly startled or could be related to noise in her environment such as barking dogs that may startle her or the sound of lawn or farming equipment. Try to remove the stressors from her environment or isolate the hen during times of stress - such as if you know equipment will be working in the area.
Happy, stress-free hens are the best producers
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