Moldy eggshell?

[Melodychick]

I have a 4 y.o. Easter Egger hen that lays light brown eggs that often develop what looks like mold on the bottom side, the inside looks fine when cracked open. She’s done this the last few years. I collect the eggs daily and put them straight in the refrigerator without washing. No other hens eggs have this problem. Of course I toss these eggs and now toss all eggs she lays since I’m not sure what’s going on. She seems to be healthy, feathers look good, eating and free ranging with the flock. Any idea what’s going on?

 

[Emelyn]

I have a 4 y.o. Easter Egger hen that lays light brown eggs that often develop what looks like mold on the bottom side, the inside looks fine when cracked open. She’s done this the last few years. I collect the eggs daily and put them straight in the refrigerator without washing. No other hens eggs have this problem. Of course I toss these eggs and now toss all eggs she lays since I’m not sure what’s going on. She seems to be healthy, feathers look good, eating and free ranging with the flock. Any idea what’s going on?

View attachment 2727906

It's from excess calcium deposits

 

[21hens-incharge]

Are they like this on the day they are collected or does it develop over time?

Are the shells uniform in thickness?

 

[Melodychick]

It develops over a few days, not sure how long it takes. The shells do feel rough in that area too.

 

[21hens-incharge]

If it develops over time it is not calcium deposits.

Thickness? Is it thin in that area?

 

[Melodychick]

If it develops over time it is not calcium deposits.

Thickness? Is it thin in that area?

yes it is thinner. I hadn’t noticed that before, but when I just checked the one from yesterday, it’s paper thin in that area, not moldy looking yet though. They have access to both layer feed and flock raiser as well as free choice oyster shell.

 

[21hens-incharge]

yes it is thinner. I hadn’t noticed that before, but when I just checked the one from yesterday, it’s paper thin in that area, not moldy looking yet though. They have access to both layer feed and flock raiser as well as free choice oyster shell.

Interesting.

I asked since I have a hen that consistently lays eggs with a thin end...the large end is always thin and sandpaper like.

The odd color on yours has me confused a bit though.

Lets hang in there and see what others say.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Do you wash the eggs before putting them in the egg carton?

 

[Melodychick]

Do you wash the eggs before putting them in the egg carton?

No, and hers is the only one that does this

 

[aart]

Have you candled the eggs?
I'm betting they are porous in that area.

Does the 'mold' wash off?
If they look fine inside I'd not worry about eating them,
just give a good wash before opening to eat.