Cinnamon Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 For the last few days one of my hens (not sure who but I suspect Poppy/Rosie) has been laying eggs with a much paler colour shell than usual. They used to be a sort of usual egg colour,but they are now palest putty....nearly cream/off white. Is she deficient in any mineral or vitamin or is it a sign of a moult or brood to come? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 I've had this, but I'm afraid that I don't know what causes it - sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PurpleHen Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 I've had this, but I'm afraid that I don't know what causes it - sorry. Snap - they went back to normal though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 I think it is part of the moulting. They may not always lose all of their feathers but the eggs seem to suffer a bit - or stop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 Now I have to dredge up some brain cells here, so bear with me ..... I read somewhere (can't remember where, may have been here!) that the pigment for the eggs is taken from elsewhere in the chickens body. So, to tell if a chook is a good layer, it will have paler legs than one who is not laying as the egg shell pigment is taken from melanin in the legs. Thinking along those lines then, could her eggs be paler because she is nearing the end of a laying season and running out of pigment? It would be interesting to know whether her legs are pale or not!! Whew - that hurt! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 Now that you mention it Snowy, I remember James telling me that once. It woudl figure too because Sadie has pale legs and is a brilliant layer (when she's not moulting) and Ruby has bright yellow legs and is total pants at laying eggs. It's the sort of query that they'd be able to answer on the Practical Poultry forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted January 5, 2007 Author Share Posted January 5, 2007 This is really interesting ladies, thanks. If it is Rosie or Poppy,then they are my 2 oldest hens,both being about 14 months. I reckon they are due for a moult,as neither has to my knowledge yet. So,I will keep an eye on said hens & see what happens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
