Have you ever collected eggs only to find what feels like a water balloon in your nesting box? If you’re wondering “what causes a chicken to lay a soft shell egg,” you’re not alone! As a backyard chicken keeper for over a decade, I’ve encountered this perplexing situation multiple times.
Soft shell eggs can be alarming when you first discover them but in most cases they’re not a major cause for concern. Let’s dive into the reasons behind this common phenomenon and what you can do to help your hens produce strong, healthy eggs.
What Exactly is a Soft Shell Egg?
A soft shell egg is either an egg with an extremely thin shell that can be easily cracked with your fingers or an egg with no shell at all—just the membrane holding the yolk and albumen (egg white) together. These eggs feel like little water balloons and often break easily in the nesting box or even inside the chicken before being laid.
12 Common Causes of Soft Shell Eggs
1. Young Pullets Just Starting to Lay
This is super common! When young hens (pullets) first begin laying their reproductive systems are still developing. The shell gland might not be fully mature resulting in the first few eggs having thin or soft shells.
As one chicken keeper shared: “When our latest batch of brahma pullets just started laying, one of the first eggs didn’t have a shell – just the thin membrane. It got squished in the nesting box and spread everywhere. But her subsequent eggs were perfectly normal with regular shells.”
2. Calcium Deficiency
This is perhaps the most common reason for soft shell eggs Approximately 95% of an eggshell is made of calcium carbonate. Without sufficient calcium, a hen simply cannot produce a proper shell
Chickens actually mobilize about 47% of the calcium in their bones to help form eggshells! This comes from special medullary bones that store extra calcium. Without enough dietary calcium to replenish these stores, hens will lay eggs with fragile shells.
3. Heat Stress
Hot weather is a major culprit behind soft eggs. When temperatures rise above 80°F (27°C), chickens can experience heat stress which affects eggshell quality.
Here’s why:
- Chickens cool themselves by panting, which releases carbon dioxide (CO2)
- CO2 is necessary to build calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in eggshells
- High temperatures interfere with calcium-binding proteins in the shell gland
- Heat stress decreases the amount of calcium circulating in the chicken’s blood
As one source mentioned: “In Minnesota, we’ve had days of 93-degree heat this summer, which can be harmful to your flock. Heat stress can contribute to your hens laying soft eggs.”
4. Stress (Beyond Heat)
Chickens are sensitive creatures, and various stressors can impact their egg quality:
- Predator attacks or nearby predators
- Introduction of new birds to the flock
- Bullying within the flock
- Overcrowding (less than 4 square feet per chicken in the coop)
- Moving to a new environment
- Loud noises or disruptions
- An aggressive or overly eager rooster
One chicken keeper shared a telling story: “In one memorable experience on our farm, one of our chickens watched a dog kill her flock mate. The surviving hen never laid well after that and laid a couple of rubber eggs.”
5. Age of Your Hens
Just as young pullets might lay soft eggs when they start laying, older hens can produce thin-shelled eggs as they age. As hens get older, their egg-laying machinery slowly slows down, leading to fewer eggs with thinner shells.
6. Nutritional Deficiencies (Beyond Calcium)
While calcium is critical, other nutrients also play important roles:
- Vitamin D3: Essential for calcium absorption and utilization
- Phosphorus: Works with calcium for shell formation
- Manganese: A key nutrient for bone and eggshell formation
- Vitamin E: Supports overall reproductive health
- Vitamin B12: Important for egg development
7. Infectious Bronchitis
This common respiratory disease caused by avian coronavirus can significantly impact egg quality. It interferes with the chemicals produced in the magnum (where egg whites form), resulting in distorted egg membranes and disrupted shell formation.
8. Other Health Issues
Various illnesses can cause soft-shelled eggs:
- Egg Drop Syndrome: A viral disease that specifically targets laying hens
- Egg Yolk Peritonitis: Occurs when an egg ruptures inside the hen
- Salpingitis: Inflammation of the oviduct
- Avian Osteoporosis: Called “Cage Layer Fatigue,” involves loss of bone structure
9. Inadequate Lighting
Chickens’ reproductive systems are highly influenced by daylight. The photoperiod (amount of daylight) regulates important hormones that play crucial roles in egg development.
Research suggests that hens need 14-18 hours of light daily for optimal egg production and quality. When days get shorter, egg quality can decline.
10. Genetics and Breed Differences
Some chicken breeds have been selectively bred to be egg-laying machines, producing over 300 eggs per year. These fast layers might produce eggs so quickly that the shell doesn’t have adequate time to form properly.
11. Improper Diet
Chickens need a balanced diet for optimal egg production:
- Too many treats can dilute the nutrients they need
- Kitchen scraps alone won’t provide sufficient nutrition
- Overweight chickens tend to lay fewer and lower-quality eggs
12. Insufficient Shell Gland Residence Time
Sometimes, an egg simply passes through the shell gland too quickly. The shell gland is where the eggshell forms, and this process normally takes about 20 hours. If the egg moves through faster, the shell won’t form properly.
How to Help Your Chickens Lay Strong Eggs
Now that we know the causes, here’s what you can do:
1. Provide Adequate Calcium
- Offer free-choice oyster shells or limestone
- Switch young birds to layer feed 3 weeks before they begin laying
- Consider a calcium supplement if you notice thin shells
2. Combat Heat Stress
- Ensure proper ventilation in the coop
- Provide shade in the run
- Offer frozen treats on hot days
- Consider using electrolyte supplements during heat waves
3. Reduce Stress
- Provide adequate space (minimum 4 sq ft per bird in the coop)
- Ensure enough nesting boxes (1 per 4-5 hens)
- Keep predators away from your coop
- Introduce new birds gradually
- Address bullying in the flock
4. Provide a Complete Diet
- Feed a quality layer feed as the main diet
- Limit treats to 10% of total food intake
- Ensure access to clean, fresh water at all times
- Consider a vitamin supplement during times of stress or illness
5. Optimize Lighting
- Ensure hens get 14-16 hours of light daily, especially in winter
- Use artificial lighting when days get shorter if egg production is important
6. Monitor Health
- Watch for signs of illness or respiratory disease
- Address any symptoms promptly
- Provide regular preventative care
Can You Eat Soft Shell Eggs?
This is a common question! While soft shell eggs aren’t necessarily harmful, they’re not recommended for consumption. Without a proper shell, bacteria can more easily penetrate the egg, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.
Most experienced chicken keepers recommend feeding these eggs back to your chickens (cooked) or giving them to other animals.
My Personal Experience
On my farm, we occasionally get soft shell eggs, especially during the hottest days of summer or when we have young pullets starting to lay. I’ve found that providing consistent access to oyster shells and a high-quality layer feed prevents most issues.
During heat waves, I add electrolytes to my flock’s water and make frozen treats with their favorite fruits and vegetables. This seems to help reduce the incidence of soft eggs significantly.
When to Worry
A single soft shell egg isn’t usually cause for concern. However, if you notice:
- Multiple hens laying soft eggs
- Soft eggs continuing for more than a week
- Other signs of illness (lethargy, decreased appetite, abnormal droppings)
It might be time to consult with a poultry veterinarian.
Final Thoughts
Soft shell eggs are a common challenge in backyard flocks, but they’re usually temporary and fixable. By understanding the potential causes and implementing the solutions above, you can help your hens produce those beautiful, farm-fresh eggs we all love.
Remember that an occasional soft egg is normal – even the most well-cared-for flocks might produce one now and then. It’s part of the wonderful adventure of raising backyard chickens!
Have you experienced soft shell eggs in your flock? What solutions worked for you? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
Preventive Measures for Long-Term Egg Health
Beyond addressing the immediate causes of soft egg laying, its crucial to establish a preventive approach to maintain long-term egg health in your flock.
a). Proper Nutrition:
Ensure that your chickens receive a well-balanced and nutritionally complete diet. High-quality layer feed, supplemented with calcium sources like crushed eggshells or oyster shells, will contribute to strong eggshells. Regularly review and update their diet based on their age and seasonal variations.
b). Vet Check-ups:
Schedule regular check-ups with a poultry veterinarian to monitor the overall health of your flock. These check-ups can help identify potential issues before they manifest as egg quality problems. A veterinarian can provide tailored advice based on the specific needs of your chickens.
c). Environmental Enrichment:
Enrich your chickens environment with opportunities for natural behaviors such as scratching, dust bathing, and foraging. This also enhances their mental and physical well-being, contributing to better egg production.
d). Hydration:
Ensure your chickens have constant access to clean and fresh water. Proper hydration is essential for overall health and can significantly impact egg quality. Dehydration can lead to softer eggshells, so make sure your flock has adequate water intake.
e). Regular Cleaning and Maintenance:
Keep the coop clean and well-maintained to minimize the risk of infections. Regularly clean nesting boxes, replace bedding, and address any issues with ventilation. A clean and comfortable living environment promotes healthier egg production.
f). Record Keeping:
Maintain a record of your chickens laying patterns, diet changes, and any significant events in their environment. This documentation can help you identify patterns and correlations that may be impacting egg quality, aiding in proactive management.
Common Causes of Soft Egg Laying
a). Calcium Deficiency: One of the primary reasons for soft eggshells is a lack of calcium in the hens diet. Calcium is a crucial component for the formation of strong eggshells. If your chickens are not receiving an adequate amount of calcium, it can lead to the production of eggs with weak or soft shells.
b). Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in calcium absorption. Chickens that are deficient in vitamin D may struggle to utilize the calcium in their diet effectively. Ensuring your flock has access to natural sunlight or providing a balanced feed with sufficient vitamin D is essential.
c). Stress and Environmental Factors: Chickens are sensitive creatures, and stress or changes in their environment can affect egg quality. Loud noises, overcrowding, sudden temperature changes, or the presence of predators can induce stress, leading to the formation of soft-shelled eggs.
d). Age of the Hen: As hens age, their ability to produce strong eggshells may decline. Older hens may experience difficulty in absorbing and utilizing calcium efficiently, resulting in softer eggs.
To address soft egg laying, its crucial to identify the specific cause affecting your flock. Here are some steps to diagnose the issue:
1). Evaluate Diet: Examine the quality of your chicken feed. Ensure that it contains an appropriate amount of calcium and other essential nutrients. Consider supplementing their diet with crushed eggshells or oyster shells to boost calcium intake.
2). Check for Signs of Stress: Assess your chickens living conditions. Look for signs of stress such as feather picking, lethargy, or changes in behavior. Address any environmental factors that may be causing distress.
3). Review Sunlight Exposure: If your chickens are primarily kept indoors, ensure they receive adequate sunlight exposure. Consider providing a suitable outdoor space for them to roam and forage, promoting both physical and mental well-being.
i). Optimize Diet: Adjust the chicken feed to include a higher level of calcium. Supplementing with crushed eggshells or oyster shells can be an effective way to provide an additional source of calcium.
ii). Vitamin D Supplementation: Ensure your chickens receive sufficient vitamin D through their diet or exposure to natural sunlight. If necessary, consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate vitamin D supplementation.
iii). Reduce Stressors: Identify and eliminate sources of stress in your chickens environment. Provide ample space, nesting boxes, and a comfortable coop to create a secure and stress-free atmosphere.
iv). Monitor Older Hens: As hens age, their nutritional requirements may change, and their ability to absorb calcium efficiently may diminish. Regularly monitor the health and egg production of older hens.
Consider transitioning them to a layer feed formulated for seniors, which typically contains adjusted levels of calcium and other essential nutrients tailored to their changing needs.
If you notice a decline in eggshell quality, consult with a veterinarian to explore additional supplements or dietary adjustments specific to aging hens.
This Is Why Your Hens Are Laying Soft Shelled Eggs And What You Need To Do To Fix It
FAQ
Why do chickens lay soft shelled eggs?
There are several reasons why chickens lay soft-shelled eggs. When multiple flock members lay soft shells, it’s probably an external reason the flock deals with, like hot weather or a stressful situation. If it’s only a single hen in the flock laying soft shells, there is probably something going on with her.
Are chickens laying eggs with soft shells?
This guide has explained all about chickens laying eggs with soft shells. It covers the causes, treatment, a list of best supplements, and common FAQs on chickens laying thin shell eggs. Eggs with thin and soft shells are a common problem in backyard chicken farming.
Do chickens laying soft shell eggs go bad?
One of the first things you should look at if you have chickens laying soft shell eggs is the age of your flock. When pullets first start laying, they’re more likely to lay soft-shelled eggs, eggs missing their shell or thin-shelled eggs than older laying hens. (And yes, these eggs go bad much quicker than their hard-shelled counterparts)
Why do C hickens lay soft shell eggs?
C hickens laying soft shell eggs can happen for a variety of reasons, which we’ll talk about below. One of the first things you should look at if you have chickens laying soft shell eggs is the age of your flock.
How to prevent chickens from laying soft-shelled eggs?
To prevent chickens from laying soft-shelled eggs, ensure they are stress-free, have a proper diet, have enjoyable ambient temperatures and enough daylight, and are healthy and free from any diseases. provide your flock with a diet that contains calcium, phosphorus, manganese, and essential micronutrients. Limit the number of treats.
What happens when a chicken lays a shell?
The complete process of shell formation spread over a full laying year is biologically a stressful event. When the end of the laying period approaches, eggshell quality declines, which can result in thin shells or soft-shelled eggs. 11. Diet and Overweight Chickens Chickens should get enough nutrients in their diet that aid in shell-forming.
Why would a chicken lay an egg with a soft shell?
Chickens lay soft eggs due to calcium deficiency, dietary imbalances, stress, environmental factors, illness, or aging. Providing a balanced diet with adequate calcium from sources like oyster shell or crushed eggshells is key. It’s also important to minimize stress, especially heat-related stress, and ensure the chickens’ environment is conducive to their well-being.
How to fix chickens laying soft shelled eggs?
To fix chickens laying soft-shelled eggs, ensure they have a calcium supplement like oyster shell or crushed eggshells in a separate dish, provide a good layer feed, and reduce stress in their environment. You can also add Vitamin D3 to help with calcium absorption, as it aids in the process of forming strong eggshells. If the problem persists, consult a veterinarian, as it could be a sign of a disease or egg binding.
What disease causes soft shell eggs?
Egg drop syndrome ’76 (EDS ’76) is an atadenovirus-induced disease characterized by the production of pale, thin-shelled, soft-shelled, or shell-less eggs by apparently healthy laying hens.
What causes an egg to not have a hard shell?