darrenschickens Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I'm new to keeping chickens and about 6 weeks in one hen has starting laying. She's been a regular one egg a day since she started 8 days ago. At first the eggs were slightly odd shapes, but the last 5 have been about the same size and shape. Compared with shop bought eggs the skin underneath the shell seems very thick on her eggs. When cracking the eggs you have to break the shell and then have another go at breaking the skin before getting inside. Is this perfectly normal, or should I be changing something to rectify it? As for background, there are 4 hens altogether. They're fed on about 40% growers pellets, 60% layers pellets while I use up the rest of the growers pellets. I add oystershell grit into their food each day and they are free to roam around the garden. They have a peck at most things, but are quite taken by dandelions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Hello Darren and welcome to the forum. The shells are more difficult to break as they are so fresh. When the egg is older (as with supermarket eggs) the skin slackens so the shell is easier to break - does that make any sense at all?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darrenschickens Posted October 22, 2008 Author Share Posted October 22, 2008 I see, I guess I shall just have to get used to having such fresh eggs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
