Every chicken keeper knows the joy of collecting freshly laid eggs. But every so often, you might reach into the nest box and—uh oh—find a wobbly, squishy, almost rubbery egg. Don’t panic! These soft-shelled eggs might look strange, but they’re actually quite common. Let’s crack the case on why they happen and what you can do about it.
🐔 What Exactly Is a Soft Shell Egg?
A soft shell egg is an egg that’s missing its proper hard outer shell. Sometimes it’s just a thin, fragile layer that breaks easily; other times it’s a completely shell-less egg wrapped only in its membrane (like a squishy water balloon).
🤔 What Causes Soft Shell Eggs?
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Calcium Deficiency
Calcium is the building block of strong eggshells. If your hens aren’t getting enough (or can’t absorb it properly), you’ll start to see weaker shells. -
Young Layers
Pullets who’ve just started laying often produce soft shells while their systems are getting into the swing of things. Don’t worry—this usually sorts itself out quickly. -
Stress
A sudden fright, predator scare, or even rough handling can interrupt the shell-forming process. Result? A soft or incomplete egg. -
Illness
Respiratory infections, reproductive issues, or internal parasites can sometimes cause irregular eggs, including soft shells. -
Heat Stress
In very hot weather, hens may pant to cool down, which changes their body chemistry and reduces calcium available for the shell. -
Diet Imbalance
Too many treats (yes, even kitchen scraps and scratch grains) can throw off the balance of nutrients your hens need to lay strong, healthy eggs.
🛠️ How to Prevent Soft Shell Eggs
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Offer Free-Choice Calcium 🐚: Crushed oyster shell grit or limestone grit helps hens top up their calcium whenever they need it.
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Feed a Quality Layer Pellet 🍽️: It’s designed with the perfect balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals for egg production.
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Limit Treats 🚫🍪: Keep treats to under 10% of their diet so they don’t crowd out the essentials.
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Keep Stress Low 😌: Provide plenty of nest boxes, protection from predators, and a calm environment.
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Stay Cool in Summer 🌞: Shade, fresh water, and frozen treats can help prevent heat stress.
🐓 Final Cluck
Soft shell eggs can be a little odd (and sometimes messy!), but they’re usually just a temporary glitch. With good nutrition, a stress-free environment, and a sprinkle of extra calcium, your hens will be back to laying strong, beautiful eggs in no time.
So if you find a wobbly egg in the nest box, don’t worry—it’s just your hen’s way of reminding you she’s still a work of art in progress. 💛🥚
