jomaxsmith Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 I picked up one of Daisy's eggs today within minutes of her leaving the nest box crowing loudly (her not me ) and to my astonishment - the pigment wasn't dry! Daisy's eggs are brown with darker speckles and as I picked up the eggs I scratched away some of the speckles with my thumb. Amazing! I'm sure you've noticed this before but I thought it was amazing that right to the very last second an egg is still being produced! Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 Apparently with Marans chickens, the egg is coated at the last minute as it comes down whatever passage it comes down. If it is still wet, the pigment can be rubbed off. This is different to other breeds of chicken where the egg shell colour is made at the same time as the egg. Hope this non-technical explanation helps. You could try Googling "Marans eggs" and you'll get an in depth explanation. Sheila Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jomaxsmith Posted April 16, 2008 Author Share Posted April 16, 2008 Thanks - I guessed it was something like that. The base colour doesn't change, just the speckles. If I got clever I could put a design on the eggs and sell them for a fortune! Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubereglu Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 I've noticed this too, except only with speckled eggs. It usually happens when they get paper stuck to the shell and that takes on the pigment and you're left with a base coat. It doesn't happen often, just occasionally. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 oooh I'll have a little rub next time my maran lays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
