Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Jenthelibrarian]

I have just been out gardening with the hens happily FR-ing with me. Every so often I check that everyone is present and correct. And not pooping on the patio

 

I looked round to see Josie squatting, right out in the middle of the grass. As I watched she laid a large, soft-shelled egg that broke as it hit the ground. To my disgust the other hen ran over and the two of them started eating it with great relish.

 

She was a bit off-colour yesterday, which led me to expect an extra-large or otherwise 'odd' egg, as this has happened before.

 

I picked up the shell but by the time I'd got back from grabbing a wodge of kitchen paper to clean up the pair of them had scoffed the lot

 

Any helpful observations or comments?

 

I know they know their way 'home' as they pop into their run when they are FR-ing for water etc. Should I perhaps let them out later in the day? See this as 'waste not, want not' rather than revolting?

[good_egg]

Hens love a good soft egg to gobble. When mine laid softies they ate these but never attempted anything with the proper ones so wasn't overly worried. If your girl is continuing to lay softies perhaps make sure that she has access to calcium through oyster grit, isn't eating too many treats (perhaps leave in for a bit longer in the morning so she gets more pellets - check these are layers) and try putting some lifeguard in her water. If it's a one off I wouldn't worry.