by Melissa Caughey of Tilly’s Nest
Have you ever wondered why sometimes your chickens lay eggs without shells? Yes, it can happen! These eggs feel like squishy bouncy balls and there are a few reasons as to why they happen. Sometimes these reasons are reversible and other times they are not. This post will take a look at the more common reasons behind these shell-less eggs.
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| Photo Credit |
Pullets Starting Laying: Sometimes, as new pullets begin to start laying, their eggs can be mis-shaped as well as without shells. The shells can be thin or missing all together. To remedy this, ensure that they are on layer feed and give it some time. With proper nutrition, often their systems just needs a bit of time to figure things out.
Lack of Calcium: Be sure that your flock has access to crushed oyster shells or crushed egg shells. To make thick egg shells, the hens need calcium.
Diet: Be sure your layers are on layer feed. They also need adequate Vitamin D.
Predators: Hens’ bodies form their eggs while they sleep. If for some reason, they are startled in the night from a predator’ visit, sometimes eggs can be laid without shells.Stress: Anytime the flock is under stress such as molting, predators, excessive temperatures, change in the flock etc.
Advanced Age: As we age, our bodies slow down. The same goes for chickens. With age comes less reliable reproductive systems, decreases in eggs and sometimes more malfunctions in the egg laying process.
Possible Medical Conditions:
- Unable to absorb dietary calcium
- Problem with the shell gland
- Illness/Sickness
- Diet too high in salt
- Egg Drop Syndrome
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| One of our most recent eggs without a shell. |
For more information on chickens, check The Chicken Manual on my blog, Tilly’s Nest.
For another chance to win, visit their Facebook page for a special
Hug A Chicken Day giveaway happening on November 5th only!
Fine print: One entry per person. Tee shirt ships to US or Canadian address only.
330 Comments
Why is the egg white separating from egg yolk. Whites go one yolks go another
Our chicken layer egg without egg what can we give her for eating
I have 4 isa brown chickens which are about 4 months old. They have been laying well. One of them often lays a double yolk egg. Twice now she has looked ill then laid two shellless eggs. Can you please help?
The infection problem is missing on your list. And the conséquences of shel-leds eggs for hens
Every morning I get 3 eggs a they are smeared with yolks. I have 4 hen and the white one is not laying? Any chance she is shelless?
It sounds like you have an egg eater on your hands. I have a post on my blog about how to identify and stop that behavior.
I have backyard chickens 8 of them…all are fine except one has been laying shell-less eggs for about eight weeks now. She is about 2 yrs old and gets plenty of calcium
SOS
Hi Irene,
Here’s an article that talks about several reasons for shell-less eggs. Hope this helps.
https://www.communitychickens.com/7-reasons-for-shell-less-eggs-a-giveaway/
Can you still eat an egg that is shell less ????
If you simply find a shell-less egg in your coop? No. We don’t recommend that you eat shell-less eggs. The possibility of contamination is too high.
[…] Phosphorus and Calcium are important for laying hens to keep their eggshells strong. Calcium can be found in crushed oyster shells, ground aragonite, or chipped limestone. Phosphorus and calcium work hand in hand. If you have chickens that eat tons of bugs you may be fine, but you should have these available all the time but kept separate from the chicken feed. You can use phosphorus-16 or defluorinated rock phosphate. If you are having problems with soft shells or shell-less eggs, click here. […]
[…] Source […]
Thanks for help on the appearance of my first shell-less egg. (I nearly jumped out of my skin when I went to collect it!) My hens are on 17 per cent laying pellets but I’ll get some calcium supplement if necessary and also check their Vitamin D. Hopefully it was a “one of.”
Thanks for sharing. Good information… one of our son’s hens just laid her 1st egg. He said it was shellless. He appears to be doing everything right…calcium fortified food, no stress at night, etc. Now I understand better.
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I have 22 chickens hatched this spring. There is 1 Ameracauna hen that is laying 2 eggs every morning within minutes apart. 1 is large and normal with a great thick shell and much larger than the others hens that age are laying…the other is an almost shell-less egg…we can see blue color so it’s not completely shell-less but transparent and cracks / breaks if you touch it. I wasn’t sure it was her so I separated her in her own coop last night and this morning, 2 eggs again same situation. She had a head / neck / brain injury when we got her and I’m wondering if this could be why??? anyone??? She isn’t picked on by the other hens / breeds but she stays away from them and they exclude her…any suggestions?
I have 6 hen. I have been getting 2 eggs almost everyday since Memorial Day when we got our girls. I had another hen start laying last week. And This past Tuesday I had an egg with no she’ll and a tail. Today I got 3 good eggs and a shell less egg. I know we have 2 young hens and the others are just over a year old. They are on laying crumble and oyster shell. Not sure what is going on. Any suggestions
I have about 25 hens. I have had no problem for 2 yrs. All of a sudden my pet hen has been laying a shell less egg. I finally figured it out who it was when I went to see her on the shelf. There was one behind her. They get the best organic, non GMO food and oyster shells. Why is she not laying good eggs?
A new article was just posted to the website about eggshell problems. I hope there are some answers there for you.
https://www.communitychickens.com/egg-shell-problems-causes-and-cures/
I’ve been raising chickens for about 30 years and have had a few eggs with no shells but not very many. Also, I just found out yesterday that my local feed store here in rural West Virginia will be carrying organic chicken feed. We have certainly come a long way! Most people think I’m just crazy.
I came home tonight to find one of my good laying hens injured and standing perfectly still in a sheltered position. All her tail feathers were gone as were the feathers and skin on her back. We poured hydrogen peroxide on her wound and put her in a box by herself with a pan of water. Within a few hours she laid her first shell-less egg. I assume it is due to the shock of her injury. She is walking a bit and eating and drinking so I hope she’ll recover fully.
Good info! Thanks!
Knock on wood! So far I have not had shell-less eggs. sandraschwager@yahoo.com
I learn something new every day.
I followed a link on Honey Rock Dawn (The Daily Coyote) here to learn about why her hen layed an egg without a shell. I had never heard of it before.
I did figure it was some sort of calcium thing but didn’t know about special feed for when they lay (do you ease off of it in the winter?) or feeding them oyster shells or even just their own shells.
Someday I hope to own some chickens but for now I just read about them. (Dog is not a fan of chickens, well, birds of any kind. Or rodents of any kind. Or felines of any kind. So as long as he’s around, the only other thing I’ll have is fish. And sometimes he gives them the stink-eye too.)
I now have 12 hens and the 7 youngers one just started laying last week and so far no problems. Thanks for the great blog! love reading all the valuable tips!
And like the shirt a lot! LOL
That chicken reminds me a lot like mine! Interesting read and a great giveaway!
I’ve only had one shell-less egg, but it completely took me off guard. I put my hand into the dark nest box and ended up with egg goo all over my hand from poking the egg. This info is really helpful for future reference. I would love to win this shirt too. tommygrl1972@yahoo.com
Chickens are great mousers
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Great to know about eggs before my chicks are old enough to start laying. Can’t wait until the spring. sadiebeery at hotmail dot com
Wonderful article.. good information to remember only had this problem once with one of my pullets.duvall5948@gmail.com
AHHH I HAVE TO HAVE THAT SHIRT!! It is the cutest thing EVER and I’ve always wanted chickens! One day when I live on a farm I will have my chickens 🙂
jordie.goth@gmail.com
Love all of the great information you provide us. I have had a couple softies when my girls started laying. Love the Tee. BevyCrockr@comcast.net size 2x please.
cfran_2000@hotmail.com. Luv all the chicken sights i have found through your website. I am waiting on an order of baby and toddler shirts i just ordered from Chicken T’s, but a free one for ME would be EGGcellent!!!!
Our neighbors chickens have left the rubber eggs several times. Once right at our feet (at our back door) while we stood there talking to her.
I’ve had several rubber eggs over the last month or two. The girls are going through molts so overall egg production is down anyway. Very frustrating but I keep trying to ensure the girls have everything they need to recover as quickly as possible! Thanks for the informative article! widgren@email.unc.edu
Thanks for the egg information! My family will be interested. I’ll be sure to get a shirt from the Golden Egg shop, even if I don’t win. I love the “My chickens are prettier than your chickens.”
My e-mail is abadelf01@yahoo.com
Very interesting. Thank you for all your info. I have 5 mixed-breed hens and have 36 golden-laced polish and silkie eggs in my incubator, and it’s always good to have a place to come to when you need help.
eringarrett17@gmail.com
Very interesting article and beautiful pictures!
oliver@osprey.net
thanks — please enter me for the t-shirt
I did not know about shellless eggs.
Love that you listed some additional reasons for soft eggs without shells. Very informative article. Would love the T shirt. Thank you so much. rudyvillefarm@gmail.com (Sue)
Makes sense autyrayhansen@gmail.com
Really like the chicken Tees
I live in an urban neighborhood in Chicago and we are now allowed to raise chickens. I plan to set up my coop and chicken run next spring with at least two chickens. So pleased the City of Chicago realizes some people want to raise their own wholesome eggs and poultry. Some municipalities won’t even let people compose or gather rainwater in their backyards.
My Maran would lay eggs with no shell or partial shell when she was learning. She would also lay two at a time, one with shell and one without. Now she has it down to one with the perfect dark brown shells.
I liked this post a lot. Good information. I think it’s a cute t-shirt and it would be an honor to wear it.
pumawhiskers@hotmail.com
Thank you. oceantidal@hotmail.com
sheepblacksheepfarm@gmail.com I just had this conversation with someone yesterday about shell-less eggs. Once in a blue moon I get one (out of 50 girls) So I guess the night time startle makes sense.
would love to win this for my sister. she raises chickens. she would love this!!! shawdebo24@aol.com
I have noticed a soft shell when 1 of my girls starts laying after a molt. I need a large please.
I love the shirt! Chickens are my favorite animal in my barnyard. Size Medium
My chickens have laid shell-less eggs a few times over the years. I didn’t know a startling predator could be a cause. Very interesting! Those t-shirts are adorable. Here’s my email if I win. 🙂 Mia mmgmcg@gmail.com
This is good to know. With a barn yard variety of chickens, I wondered why the occasional soft egg. I did feed layer pellets and free choice oyster shells and they had a lot of free range time. LOVE the t-shirt and info found here.
I would love a shirt I raise all kind of poutry and love this site.
Donald.holbrook@windstream.net
I have a duck that lays shell less eggs. I really like this site and would love a t-shirt.
Thanks
donald.holbrook@windstream.net
Cool t-shirt!!! Would love to win! naydamarsh1@aol.com
Like your article on shell-less eggs. I have one hen who lays shell-less eggs occaisionally… If I win the shirt, I would like an XL; my email address is psash9@yahoo.com Thanks so much for your informative articles!
My friend and I have raised chickens since we were about five and have seen this throughout our many years. Wonderful information provided. A size small would be wonderful if I win. Thank you for the chance. kdb@albinorockstar.com
Thanks for answering my question concerning shell-less eggs…I have been getting a couple everyday. The girls are molting so that must be the cause! Linda
JPonader@yahoo.com
When one of my chickens was egg bound after I removed the egg from her, she layed soft shelled eggs for a week. bid.to.shine@gmail.com
We had a duck that did this. Thanks for the education. Chickens are on my Wish List. Love the shirt!!! webolton@cyberg8t.com
Good info! Also got a bird-sized egg and a couple of leathery-shelled eggs from first-time layers (I think!) Hard to tell who is laying what!
Cute T – size M, please – reedbenderbarbara@msn.com
Thanks for sharing! It is good to know that it is a natural thing. DBUSSIERE3@roadrunner.com
I had a hen do this this summer and thought I had an egg eater since I was finding gooey slimy nests with yolk smeared on other eggs. I suspect it was the stress of this summers brood which included 6 cockerels being raised for the freezer. Since the boys have left and things have calmed down the eggs are fine.
Chicken shirt me! It will be the closest I can come to owning a chicken for now.
I am a broke college student who wants to have a small hobby farm along with being a veterinarian in the not too distant future. I love the tips and info on this site. If selected for the tshirt, size Large please! Thank you!
Good information and intelligent comments.
Would love to have one. Great information I haven’t had this problem with my chickens yet but good to know if I do
air0kmb@yahoo.com
I would love to win a t-shirt my chicks would love it! novakjody@cs.com
I get a few of these and I still use them in the house. I would like a large t-shirt.
Great article, have had that happen a few times, but not too often, fortunately! size M please!
We have had a couple of shell-less eggs. I was right before they went into molt.
The t-shirt is super cute too.
My uncle raised chickens when I was younger. I think the weirdest egg I ever saw was an egg inside an egg. The inside one was much smaller of course but both had a yolk. Soft shells would be a little strange to see but understandable in their development.
XL shirt please
teri.tarrant@gmail.com
I have also had a few egg shells missing with my 3 hens….not sure which one…but all were found the cleaning board I have under the roost. I did provide crushed egg shells and/or oyster shells regularly as well as grit. They always get laying crumbles. It would be great to win this T-shirt….I really enjoy your site.
Thank you for the great article. This crazy chicken lady would love the shirt in a small.
Hello,
Good article. I supply free choice oyster shell and keep the coop as comfortable as possible and rarely have this soft shell syndrome. Would love the t shirt! medium please to westhorse@hotmail.com
I remember finding an shell-less egg in our chicken house as a kid and being freaked out by it. I thought it was rotten, but knew there was no way I had missed an egg for THAT long.decodiscount@hotmail . com
Thanks for the info. I only knew that inadequate Calcium could cause this. Sharon
Would love a chance to win such a cute shirt! Thanks! graceinapril@gmail.com
My girlfriend and I raised chickens for about 5 months before the city I live in told me I had to get rid of them. We miss the chicks a lot and want to raise chickens again sometime in the future. We have been thinking of buying a farm some time just have to get our finances in order first. During the time we had our chickens some of them would lay a shell less egg and it was just like a rubber bouncy ball. We actually seen one of our hens drop the shell less egg on our drive way and it bounced a little when it landed. We both were amazed and always wondered what caused that to happen. Thanks for the information. I think a T-shirt would be really cool to have. Every where I go and when I meet new people I talk about farming and when I had chickens and people are amazed.
Thelegend42381@aol.com
Only ever had one shell-less egg! Medium shirt
Thanks
weefarm[at]live[dot]com
The article on the chickens laying shell less eggs was very interesting. I have not seen this happen yet. I would love to win the shirt for myself. I love my chickens!
The only time I have had shell-less eggs, were indeed when the girls first started laying, and one time during an exceedingly stressful molt. (Molting + roaming bobcat) Thank you for the interesting article.
We’ve had a shell less egg at least once a day for the past few months and I’m hoping after reading your article i can try to figure out why. My mom would love to wear one of your chicken tshirts (size large) we just love your site 🙂 thanks.
Michkarling@yahoo.com
LOVE THAT T-SHIRT !!!
We don’t have problems with thin/no shells. Our shells are almost TOO tough to crack, lol.
deenamac@gmail.com
Glad you posted about this, We’ve been having at least one shell less egg a day for a few months and now will try to figure out which of the 7 causes it it. Thanks, Michelle
Enjoy my Chicks.
david.mcnair@va.gov
sandyandevie@yahoo.com
did not know chickens laid eggs wi/ no shells. need small.
Cute Shirt! And great info! We’re getting a flock in the spring, so it’s good to know I can come here to lookup all my “newbie”-chick questions!
Thanks for the explanation. I have had two rubbery shells that were really weird looking. jhessenauer@tydingslaw.com
sab997s@sbcglobal.net
I enjoyed the information in this article. I didn’t realize there were that many causes for the shells. If I am chosen the winner, I would like an X-large shirt. Thanks Scott
I have had chickens in the past and seen a few eggs with no shell. I knew calcium deficit had a part in it although I fed a supplement, so must have been the other things on the list.
Love the shirt! jsteele588@aol.com
Been around chickens on and off all my life. Always marvel at the way it all comes together n most of it just makes sense. Food, nutrition and practice: even for the older hens each laying season. Neat T-shirts: jwreindeernelk@aol.com
I had some shell less eggs from my girls when they were first starting to lay. I have not had any in the three years since. I would LOVE this shirt in an XL my e-mail address is 6kittykats@comcast.net
Love my chickens! Thank you for this opportunity to wear a chicken shirt to shout it out loud. kimbra264@live.com
I’m new to raising chickens but I’ve received a lot of support and “natural egg” eager friends, so I’d love to have a t-shirt to help promote home raised chickens and their eggs!
doloresraemiller@hotmail.com
I had a feral cat get into my hen house and get ahold of a hen. I hear the ruckus and off ran the cat, but that hen had a ‘tude forever after and her eggs were also thinner shelled from then on.
So glad I saw this email. I love your shirts! Hope I win a cool shirt. I would use a large womans shirt if I win! kellybueker@ymail.com
Peck me ….I mean pick me ! ghavranvena@aol.com
We’ve had a few pullets do this, also had an Easter Egger that would drop her egg shell-less if startled in the AM. 382cr62(at)gmail.com
Thank you for the article. Now I know why I have received from my girls a couple of eggs with no shells. tbiagioni@cox.net (large)
I have a couple of eggs without shells. Great article. Thanks.
tbiagioni@cox.net (Large)
I am patiently waiting on the first eggs from my 2 Ameraucanas, who are 26 weeks old today! sandrada@windstream.net
I had several home grown crossbred hens that laid soft shell eggs. My address kansashobbit@yahoo.com. thanks for the informative article.
Great article. I’ve only had that happen once and now I know more about the causes. I just looked at your T shirt store and they are really neat. I would love the Chicken Shirt in size Large if I am the lucky winner. Thank you.
kcjjw@yahoo.com
Such a great article and magazine, keep up the great work.
jblauvelt@rightfromscratch.com
I had this happen and had to look it up, it was so strange but helped me learn they needed supplements and it worked out fine. 🙂
ac3474@yahoo.com
I had a few eggs like that when my hens started laying. I thought the shell was just odd, newbie that I am I didn’t even realize the shell was missing and that I was looking at just the membrane. Thank you for sharing, I’d love to have the T-shirt in XL. all4birds@gmail.com
My ladies are not a year old yet…I have never seen an shell less egg. They get oyster shell and their own cruched up egg shells to eat as they please…they all seem happy and healthy.
ziggnlemons@yahoo.com for my comment above.
I love this site and this shirt, SSweet deal!!!! corvellicat@gmail.com
This site has helped a lot and I have learned so much. Thank you!
sweetangel12345@msn.com
Size 2XL
I love my chickens and would be proud to wear this short to show it! northriverranch@gmail.com
I had a chicken who laid these a lot. She was the only one out of 8. Thanks for the info. ydavis@usa.net
I had two “Rubber” eggs this year from my Red’s. They were just starting to lay and I think the chickens were more bothered by this than I was. Lucie Chick was must have known they weren’t right and I found her trying to push them out of the coop. She’d broken one before I found them and was quite vocal in her dismay. The problem has since resolved itself and no others have been found. I love this site and appreciate all of the great info I find here! Thanks! wimberleyfamily@charter.net
Thanks for this great site. You provide alot of good useful information.
Thanks for this great site. You provide alot or good useful information.
nvater1@yahoo.com
This reminds me of the science experiment from grade school where we dissolved the shell with vinegar!
Kay sauercoleman@gmail.com
I would love to win this shirt for my daughter. She and her husband raise chickens and they have had problems with their chickens at times.this site has helped them a lot. I would like a 3 X,please and thank you if I am chosen
Eggs are wonderful. I’ll take a 2 x shirt please !
keithbutts@hotmail.com
I had this problem with my first Leghorn. She was molting and not getting enough calcium. I started crushing clam shells real fine and putting it into her food. Problem solved. WBFD125@yahoo.com A large would do nicely
I have this happen too, usually after a molt, then things go back to normal.
I gotta win that shirt for my son!
Thanks for the information. hasn’t happened to my girls yet, but now I can watch their diet more closely and perhaps avoid this.
I’ve only had it happen once, hopefully never again! Thanks for the info! lisag1288@yahoo.com
I have wonderful memories of my “Farmer Grandpa’s” farm; Waking at the crack of dawn to follow him to the barn and watch him milk the cows, feeding breadcrumbs to the chickens and sitting on his lap as he sang a Polish folk song.
I get a soft shell once every 2 or 3 weeks. Could be a stress I’m not aware of. This is the first I’ve heard of egg drop syndrome. May be that too. Natedogg807@yahoo.com. Thanks
I love my chickens & I love learning more about them. I need this shirt to show my love.
I would love an XL t-shirt. Thank you!
janrinn@comcast.net
New to chicken raising and have not seen that yet but I appreciation the information.
I have only had one egg that didn’t have a shell. It felt squishy and weird. But out of two batches of chickens over the past 6 or 7 years, I’ve only had that one. Thanks for the article. It’s one I’ll keep for the next time that happens.
This shirt would be peckfect for my mom. brheikki@hotmail.com
I love chickens! I have since I was a child. Thanks for this website. richard585@bellsouth.net
I have seen this once with my girls. Normally I give them a layer mix starting at about 4 months of age & I keep crushed oyster shell out all the time. They get plenty of sunshine too. mscory1958@att.net
Every once in a while I will get a soft egg shell…it doesn’t happen very often. Thanks for the reasons…jsohm48@yahoo.com…xl
Just had a soft-shell egg today; first one in a couple of years- perfect timing!
gracehallett@hotmail.com.
Well, I have chickens but never had one lay an egg without the shell….Very very interesting information! I would love to see one…..and I would really enjoy the t shirt in memory of my rooster, Foghorn. He was the best “guard” rooster ever….
Fortunately this has only happened once where an egg had no shell, and it was really weird looking. Now I am going to go give them some more oyster shell in their feed so it doesn’t happen again! Love the shirt! Thanks, Rita
My kids think the shell-less eggs are the coolest ! They get excited when we get one. Love the t-shirt. tandyb09@gmail.com
in our first flock of 14 girls, we had one that laid a shell-less egg one time….with our new flock, one of the girls laid one a couple weeks back, but we haven’t seen any since….our girls are free-range and lead a pretty lush life (they get all our kitchen scraps plus layer feed plus oyster shell plus all the fun little goodies they find in our yard)…..chicken have been such a joy!
tekape@gmail.com
Good info, cute shirt! quiltntherapy@yahoo.com
I just scared my boyfriend with an egg with no shell. I love the shirt. sjones@smwc.edu
Never had any eggs like this. Love the t-shirt. postaldawg34@windstream.net
Thanks for the great info
bazriel@gmail.com
We have only had a few Shelley’s and a handful of very soft shell. email rizzotalk@yahoo.com
sometimes I hate autocorrect. Shell-less
Lots of great info AGAIN! I think the unfortunate occasional visits from the local evil coyote is scaring the shells off our eggs! dlapaugh@lapaw.net
never knew, here to learn about having chicks, hope to get in spring. heres to clucking along with info! class5five@aol.com
med. please
No shell-less eggs here so far but I have seen one, years ago. The weirdest egg I have had was the one that had blood in it, along with the yolk and the white. KarenLane@aol.com
I would love to have one of these shirts (and some chickens!) Size Large
pmmolnar(at)gmail(dot)com
My young Barred Rocks would lay thin shelled eggs when they first started laying. I didn’t know why, I wish I would have had this article then. carilou3@yahoo.com
Do you realize you’re asking people to put their email address out there for the world to see? Including potential phishers and scammers? No way would I put my contact info on here just for the chance to win a t-shirt! Legitimate businesses conduct legitimate giveaways and sweepstakes on secure sites. open-target@please-hack-me-now.com
I’ve thankfully never had this happen, but it’s good to be prepared. Thank you for this article. What a fantastic t-shirt!
anewrue@yahoo.com
Thank you for the informative articles I enjoy with every email I receive from ComChix 🙂 Would love to win the shirt. mjgodsil@yahoo.com
I’ve only had a couple that I’ve found. I’m sure they happen more often but are consumed by the hens. I’m amazed when I find them not eaten, frankly. Love the t-shirt! dlmayhem@yahoo.com
Great info, thank you. Please enter me in your contest, love the shirts. maryyucaipa@aol.com.
is this problem more common in certain types of chickens?
I’ve had this happen before. Fortunately not frequently.
Gingeroo616 at AOL dotcom
I had a hen that laid soft shells; she was laying 2 eggs per day and I think she just didn’t have time to form the shells. Unfortunately, the chickens were all getting into eating eggs, so we had to cull her. I have some new pullets this year and am finding a few soft shelled eggs again. Once again, some egg eating is going on; some mornings I only find a fleshy membrane from an eaten egg. It seems like it is always laid sometime during the night or very early am. Hope whatever pullet is doing this gets her act together!
my young chickens have laid odd shaped eggs, nice to know it is normal for this to happen sometimes. Luv the shirt! cnirosky@gmail.com
great insight and cool shirt
krmcintosh25@gmail.com
Great article with good info. Cute shirt!!!! XL pjayday@yahoo.com
Better to know than guesas
Thanks for the informative article. The chicken shirt is fabulous.
We haven’t had the shell less problem but it’s interesting to know about in case. ahlclyde@yahoo.com
I have had two shell-less eggs and my chickens are just a year old. I have a flock of Black Jersey Giants and I love them. I have never had a mean Jersey Giant Rooster. My e-mail is rjsjojo@yahoo.com and I would love a 2xl if I am drawn. Thank you.
Love the chicken shirt! We’d love one in men’s XL: owens_tiffany@hotmail.com
Very interesting and informative article. I always learn something new on your blog. Thank-you for the contest. kittygirl15401@yahoo.com
One of our girls layed an egg without a shell and I had no idea why thanks so much for sharing this post and I would love to win this t shirt thanks for the chance.
heather hgtempaddy@hotmail.com
This is great information, I’m a newbie at raising chickens. I am eager to learn. Cute t-shirt, I would love to be a winner. Thanks for the contest. ttreadaway@gmail.com
What an amazing selection of chicken t-shirts. I looked at every one of them and have an eye for several to give as gifts. I’ve had chickens lay those shell-less eggs a couple at least. Thanks for writing about it because I was never able to figure out why.
Thanks for the info. Have had a few of them but never knew why. spggwolf@msn.com
Happened to me right after a full grown owl showed up and started taking the heads off my chickens! LoveFarmer@wildblue.net
Oh my goodness! My 8 year old and I about died laughing while we were looking through the t shirt choices! SO GOOD! We would absolutely dig one of them.
I have an older hen who has this issue. I didn’t realize there were so many things that could cause this! becca_norm@wavecable.com
I’ve seen a few of those shell-less eggs in my short experience with chickens.
My hens are just about 5 months and still no eggs. Yesterday I took them off finishing pellets and started them on layer feed and supplemental oyster shell. Hopefully we see some eggs soon. I will definitely keep this info in mind. I love this giveaway and I would be most proud to wear this t-shirt. thank you for the chance to win. chrislaford@aol.com
Love those t shirts and you always have great articles I follow for our coop, thanks
Kendraco22@yahoo.com
Schmancy!
I’ve had chickens for over 40 years so I’ve seen a few weird eggs, including those “shellless” eggs, although we just called them “soft-shelled”.
annie1992@yahoo.com
Cute shirt.
Great info and I love the t-shirt! tupproach@aol.com
Thanks for the info! elaine.safarpour@gmail.com
I never know what to do with them – Mom always said they weren’t ‘safe’, and threw them out. Maybe if they’re fresh, I can scramble them. wolffeathers2003@yahoo.com
The t-shirt is really cute and I like your blog!
Great looking T-Shirt
I’m just beginning to consider raising chickens and have been reading up on a lot of information. Thanks for the info. sherry277@hotmail.com
Great shirt! valeriesteil@hotmail.com
Enjoy the advice offered here. A lot of practical information for us novice “chicken farmers”
Thanks
cfoster900@aol.com
I NEED a chicken shirt!! My girls would love it too!
Now if we could just come up with shell-less pecans! mchbbs@gmail.com
it would be cool to win
Can you eat a shell less egg?
we still use our shell-less eggs to cook with, but I don’t like to handle them, cuz the squishiness freaks me out. Thanks for the tip on the tshirt store! I’m passing this info along to our family’s Santa….freyjasdottir@yahoo.com, Runnin’ A-Fowl Famr
this shirt says it all It sure makes a statement.. Large would be nice
thankyou
rcjazzr@comcast.net
Would love the shirt. Thank-you. jonfrito1@hotmail.com
Cool article, and love the shirt! I’m an XL. 😉
randythepoet@gmail.com
Hate reaching into the nest and finding one of those… Thanks for listing the causes – I think my hens are getting old. artbyrica@gmail.com
Thank you for the info. We have had quite a few shell-less eggs with our current flock. Didn’t know why we ended up with them since we do give them crushed egg shells and oyster shells. Never had this happens with our previous flocks. Have to admit that we have had a lot more predators around this past year and lost several chickens to them (mostly raccoons, sometimes they bring the whole family – about 6 of them). We hope to have solved that problem though. Please enter me to win for the chicken shirt. Size XL. toos@earthlink.net
we had chickens back in newfoundland but never had shellless eggs but i will look out for that now. i just need that shirt to wear while im collecting eggs
We have one hen who has problems with calcium absorption. She gets plenty in her diet, but her eggs all have soft spots and recently she laid one without a shell. She also has a wry tail, so in larger flocks she would have been culled. Howerver, she has a wonderful disposition and is a real peacemaker- when others start squabbling, she walks right between them and gives each of them a look.
Thanks for an informative article. 🙂
I’ve had 2 or 3 over the last decade. One with what looked like a long umbilical cord. Weird. I’d like to win a shirt! laurer@optonline.net
One learns something everyday. Just last week, I learned how jumbo eggs happen, at a large chicken farm. Bone
Your articles are always so informative, thank you! Would love to win the T-Shirt!
romischlem@gmail.com
Love my chickens!! And would love to have that T-shirt!!
eweifarm AT msn.com
I have chickens for the first time and they are starting to lay eggs. So eggcited to finally have fresh eggs! I have seen a couple eggs like you described and have increased the layer feed with egg and oyster shell supplements. I appreciated the info! JAJolliffe@aol.com
We freaked out with our first shell-less egg and after a while we laughtd about it. It is good to know a little or a lot more about the subject. Thank you.
Love your articles, very informative. Like the T-Shirt too.
dragonfp81@netzero.com
I would love to have that t-shirt!
sarahjurban@gmail.com
Just got four new hens a month ago, and only one is laying… the one with the biggest comb. Does comb size have anything to do with it? She also seems to be the one who is eating the most laying crumbles and drinking the most water. Also just got some oyster shell for them. Love watching them work the compost pile. Great Tee! oneal_i@sbcglobal.net
deborahadams09@yahoo.com very interesting
I don’t think I’ve ever had a shell-less egg. Weird.
Enter me, please. Size M. 🙂
I would love one of these shirts. sweepsdana@gmail.com. Great giveaway.
We had a Rhode Island hen who never laid many eggs, or if she did they often times had no eggs. Must have been a reproductive problem. I would love to win the shirt!
Lori
aquadragonfly@rochester.rr.com
I mean they had “no shell!”
As soon as we move to the country (hopefully sooner rather than later!) we want to get chickens, great article!
koala_kaper@hotmail.com
Only ever had this happen to my first group of girls. Always wondered what was wrong with the shell and now I know. There wasn’t one!! Will keep this in mind should it happen again. Sure glad I found your site. Love to learn more about keeping my girls happy and healthy. And of course, would LOVE to win the shirt.
missidahoredneck@gmail.com
Great article. Thanks for the education!
toadster999@gmail.com
At first I thought It said win t-shirt and 7 (cases) of
shell-less eggs,lol anyway nice article.
XXl
winstonchalmer@yahoo.com
Great info for when I start keeping chickens in the near future. Thanks!
epunman@gmail.com
I want to win that AWESOME shirt!!!!! tfreeland@marshallcolibrary.org great info here-love your articles!!!!
Thank you for all the information you have on your blog. I learn
Something new every day and I love learning about chickens.
Size L
Lawanda_rnc@yahoo. Com
My pullets first few eggs were like this. papaherold@sbcglobal.net
You’ll like my Buff. My Chickens roam on my home on the range. Love your peeps and tweets. Size 2XL for Tom at fonck@mac.com Thanks alot.
This was very interesting. I would love to win the T-shirt!
jlorenz3@columbus.rr.com
I’ve found some really weird eggs over the years. Love, love, love the shirts so much I just ordered one for a Christmas gift. Thanks so much and keep up the great work! leebabyok (@) att dot net
So evidently the infamous goose that laid golden eggs wasn’t the only one? And are golden eggs a rare occurrence like double-yolked eggs are?
balee2010@gmail.com
I’ve found odd shaped eggs, but never one without a shell. Thanks for the info, I like learning as much as I possibly can. Love the T shirt, and would love to win it in a size M. Evelyn Frankovich herbert.frankovich@sbcglobal.net
good article. thanks. I hope I win.
patricia.browne@gmail.com
Haven’t experienced a shell-less egg yet, but good information for in the future! I would love to win the shirt! My email is camtheram@gmail.com
Thank you for the article. As a new mother to my girls, I find I am trying to get all the knowledge I can to keep them healthy and happy. I have had one egg in the last 6 months that had a very very soft shell. I never did figure out why, but now I have some ideas. I just LOVE the shirt above and would wear it proudly if I were to win. Keep up the good work, love reading all the articles! Deborah Gerlach – gerlach@mcsnet.ca
Love the shirt. Love the pages and all the excellent info!
Pick me! Pick me!! Pick me!! Love, love, LOVE the shirt!!
Shell-less eggs let me know when something is out of order or I have old battery hens that need to retire to a lolly-gagger’s life away from the boys. My dog goes stupid for soft eggs, let alone the hard ones.
mrichardson.contact@gmail.com
Carolyn: Very imformative, never heard of this before. Love the T-Shirt!
That is the cutest shirt. Would love to wear it. I doubt I’d see another one like it!
dmason48@att.net
Was unaware of this condition. Thanks for addressing it. frym7805@yahoo.com
Great selection of shirts!
leindoris@aol.com
I’ve never gotten a shell-less egg, but I’m saving your article just in case. Thanks for the giveaway! aunthoney@frontiernet.net.
Thanks for the info. I never could find someone who could give me a straight answer when I asked about this. Love the t-shirt. I would wear it EVERYWHERE! Size L.
azgyenes@q.com
I have fortunately not had that problem, but have noticed that sometimes the shells are pretty thin for a younger hen. Have blessed day. mjones2361@yahoo.com.
Thank you for the informative article. Love the cute t shirts ! Cock a doodle doo, sixe XL if I win. Thank you. rob4ray@epix.net
I would definitely wear that t-shirt, My wife and I are just starting to plan a flock. Great tips!!
mitch.mon@verizon.net
We just experienced the shell-less egg, I wondered why and now I know! We lost 2 hens to respiratory illness and when we found our second hen dead, there was a shell-less egg lying next to her. Sooo sad to loose our feathered friends. joannee@sbcglobal.net, sz Med.
chickens are great! I learned something I did not know from this. misstatedawg@yahoo.com
I had one of these eggs with my chickens this year. I only got one and the rest were just fine. The shirt is very cute and I would love to wear it to work on casual Fridays. I would like a Large, if I were so lucky to win. mdicken@maceylaw.com.
What a great gift this would be for my chicken friend.
rkbtp@yahoo.com
Very interesting. Amazing what chickens can do.
sleavitt@mail.com
Love this shirt, and I always love the information in your articles. I always pass this on to my mom…we both have flocks of 30 girls and one or two boys who think they are so pretty. 🙂
I wear a Medium shirt! Would love to have it! amy.lepore@marshall.kyschools.us
Very informative, thank you! caryclan@wavecable.com
I had a hen drop these eggs before a molt. She laid normal eggs after finishing molting.
I had a hen drop these eggs before a molt. She laid normal eggs after finishing molting.
I didn’t know about excess salt in the diet causing this!
ashspring@hotmail.com
Thanks so much for your informative newsletter. I have some young hens that had this happen to and thought maybe the issue would resolve its self, which it has.
Lisa
rvmuseum1@cebridge.net
So interesting. I also like the “practice” eggs…little tiny eggs from big chickens when they first start to lay. So cute. I am a chicken nut and would love to add this shirt to my collection of chicken stuff! justicechickens@yahoo.com
My girls haven’t started laying yet now I know what to look out for. Thanks, Elizabeth Serendipity.va@gmail.com
One of our ladies lays a eggs that looks wrinkled. The shell Never got hard. Brought it to work to show all the “Townies” what it looked like. Thank you for all the information that you provide us for our chickens. alicedodson77@hotmail.com
Very intersting facts labyrd@msn.com
Very interesting facts!
I saw this fairly frequently growing up…with hundreds of laying hens. We always had oyster shells readily available. Thought calcium insufficiency was the only cause…and assumed whichever hen was responsible for a shell-less egg must have not been eating oyster shell. When we got them, my Mom always used them for cooking…or frying. They seemed to taste just fine.
Happened to my girls a few times when they first started laying. Worried me when it first happened. This is my first experience with chickens. I learn a lot from Community Chickens and the reader comments. Thank you all! sharonsca49-mail@yahoo.com
Great Post! never had a shell-less egg, but I have had an egg about the size of a gumball, her first egg, I was worried. This is my first chicken experience and I am loving it. Size large Connie@wiltruco.com
Thanks for the info. One question, are they safe to eat?
jvittorelli@gmail.com
Not seen an egg like this, but thanks to your article, know what to do if find one. Guralracing@msn.com Size XL please
My hens have done this a couple of times. I always thought it was lack of calcium and was surprised when the next day they were fine. I guess it was from predictors. Thanks for the info it was very educational. Donnarus@optonline.net
Even having heard about shell-less eggs, it’s still startling to see, on the odd occasion it occurs. Early in their laying ‘career’ I’d find them under my girls’ roosts, which suggests (looking back) that maybe they’d been startled, as well as still “working out the kinks”
My momma always said diet was a key for good egg production.
Interesting. They are fun to play with (until they break). Please enter me js_vlime@yahoo.com. size XL. Thanks
As a young chicken growing up on the mean streets of Charleston, SC, I often wondered why other chickens could lay a shell-less egg. I was quite green with envy, which, as it turns out, affected my eggs. That’s right, I’m the chicken responsible for the sensational idea for Dr. Seuss’ famous book Green Eggs and Ham. See how I did that? You just learned something. Now please send me a t-shirt before my feathers get ruffled. Size L please 😉
One of my girls is having troubles! She seems to be fine for a few weeks, then, without warning, a soft egg. What really startled me the first time was how the other hens pecked it apart and ate it. They have only been laying for about 8 weeks so I hope if I give it time, this will correct itself. Thanks for the info cady_anna@yahoo.com
I’ve had this happen a couple of times with my hens. Thanks for the article, very informative.
thank you for the information on keeping my girls healthy and happy. I am changing some of my practices to provide my girls what they need most to keep them healthy. Thanks again. I wear a large.
Never thought about the being startled at night. Interesting. ltj59@yahoo.com
Have a friend who I will pass this great advice to. trogersmn99@gmail.com
I found one of these in our duck pen once from one of our older ladys.nerver got one yet from my hens.please enter me. linztimber@yahoo.com size small
This was a new one to me!
Thanks for the info!
Love the shirt- if I win XL
Thanks
jodysgarage -at- embarqmail.com
So that’s what I found once years ago. Now I know, thanks for the article. Size L please!
Could from the owners choking their chicken
great read,thanks(beachsided@yahoo.com)
Thank you for sharing this information. It is helpful as I am new to owning chickens. Size xl please. Email: hstrehse@netscape.net
We’ve had one or two of these over the yrs. Mostly night laying on the roost. Thanks for explaining what happens
ritabohn2001@gmail.com
Thank you for sharing this information. It is helpful as I am new to owning chickens. Size xl please. Email: hstrehse@netscape.net
I have only seen this with hens just starting to lay.
kb8ket@yahoo.com
My Buff laid her first egg today, it had no shell. I’m hoping it was because it was her first. The Rhode Island Red has the same diet and has laid a perfect egg 5 out of 6 days. .
Great article! stellamonster123@gmail.com
I dont know if I need a Medium or a large. Guess it depends if I was casual or really casual…haha Only had one egg in a year not to have a shell. It was gross. Hope it dont happen again. Thanks for the info though. Will keep it in mind if it does happen. mom2avi@yahoo.com
We have had chickens for many years and thought we knew it all…lol..! Just thought it was lack of calcium…Love all the info that’s here….! Thanks….. janiedoe428@yahoo.com
I remember my mom feeding crushed egg shells to the hens to prevent shell-less eggs.
cutest shirts ever. would love one
brown.a8@gmail.com
This inspires me to have chicken. What a cute shirt design! Size small aringdalel@gmail.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
Didn’t know this could happen.
pjames330 at aol dot com
I don’t get too many shell-less eggs, thank goodness! My husband said as kids, those would be the one they would throw at each other. Cool shirt, jessicas.cake@yahoo.com
Really good article! My email is: yoie1983@aol.com
We see this once in awhile but not too often. This is great info – thanks
I would love to win this tshirt! I love this article and Communitychickens.com. size small please. bshiflett@atlanticbb.net
Now and then I get naked eggs. It happens … as long as that darn fox stays away I’m ok with the occasional shell-less egg… megscc@gmail.com
My hens always eat the shell-less eggs 🙁 I just find a mess of broken yolk and we shavings. Such a bummer! I’m hoping they won’t turn it into a full time egg eating situation! Thanks for the info!
cjngamer@gmail.com
*wet shavings
I found a rubber eggs in our spring branch once! My chiknz play in the water all the time! This is great! Size lady’s M angie@kellyhopkins.com
Thanks! 😉
Thank you for the good information. We have had it happen throughout the years. RMRWilkeRanch@earthlink.net
I have never heard of a shell-less eggs, as a girl my Mom raised and sell chickens. But I haven’t had the opportunity of getting the eggs.
Neat article. Size XL
dwwilburn@earthlink.net
I’ve had a few shell-less eggs and instead of wasting them I cut open that flexible membrane with a knife and save the eggs for my dogs. Thanks for teaching me about egg drop syndrome! That t-shirt is very fun! poppetprimrose@hotmail.com
I remeber when I was a kid we would get a few eggs without any shells when it suddenly got real cold. A teacher wouldn’t believe that could happen, nor would he believe that a egg can contain 2 yolks. Absolutely can’t happen, he said, and tried to make me look stupid in front of class. A couple of days later I was able to bring both examples to school. Talk about foot in mouth!
I never knew about shell-less eggs and was totally grossed out the first time I found one in the nest box. I wish I had this info from your blog when it happened. Keeping a printout of this for future reference.
tommygrl1972@yahoo.com
interesting article, thank you. email address is matt.alles@transamerica.com.
I’ve never experienced this but will be prepared. Thanks for the great information.
jewellford@hotmail.com
One other cause of shelless eggs that’s related to your first cause is that even in mature (but not elderly) hens the shell gland isn’t necessarily in sync with the ovaries at the beginning of a new laying cycle. I’ve seen a few times in my middle-aged hens, even though they get plenty of oyster shell through the fall and winter to prepare them for the next “egg season.”
Yes, the good old shell gland. I filed that one under “medical conditions” up above. Your wisdom is so greatly appreciated in the community. Glad to know we aren’t the only ones!
We’ve had a few of these eggs also. Would love the chicken shirt in a size large. heidi_edge@yahoo.com
I just had a shellless egg laid right next to an egg that had a rubbery shell. I am feeding oyster shell and Purina Layena crumbles. I hope that was the first and the last. My chickens are new this year,… so it’s not age.
Jerry McElroy jerry@pro-visions.com or labocavista2@gmail.com
I didn’t realize my hen was nesting and startled her, she responded with a shell-less-egg.
I can’t wait to have my own chickens.
Donnasalzbach@comcast.net
I don’t get too many shellless eggs but its good to have some idea as to why that happens. Thanks Bonnie Martin itagisse67@att.net
this is such an informative place for those of us who appreciate our chickens.
Wow, I had never heard of this – We are researching the type of chickens that we want to have. We will be getting them in the next month (I hope;). My daughter would LOVE to get this Tee – she is doing the bulk of our research! burks97@bellsouth.net
Very informative ! rabinlims@gmail.com
Love the chicken tee! Always learn great stuff on this site!
onegoofygirl@hotmail.com
Good Article.
Thank you
killemall76@hotmail.com
Had a few in my flock. They are certainly weird! Anyone know if they are safe to eat, since the shell usually protects the inside? I love the T-shirt and their web site!
Great info to share with my 4-H grandkids. This is their 1st yr. for poultry project. Great shirt to wear at poultry activities, 3X please va54mcclure@yahoo.com
Thank you for this very informative information, I appreciate this page and all its wonderful advice. Thank you.
Would love the shirt size small Cheney.Darice@gmail.com
I have also found shell-less eggs in nests occasionally. Also, while processing a hen, inside was one large egg in shell, one slightly smaller egg without shell, then a third and fourth progressively smaller sacs -one without a yolk. This was a Leghorn I culled for constantly flying the coop and raiding the garden!