Weak, thin, or soft chicken eggshells can lead to loss of eggs and income, deformities in chicks, and other difficulties. It can happen for a number of reasons, and there are various ways to keep this from happening so that you can get the most productive laying hens.
Have you been collecting eggs from your backyard chickens only to find that some have paper-thin shells that crack at the slightest touch? I’ve been there too, and lemme tell you – it’s both frustrating and concerning Thin-shelled eggs are more than just a minor inconvenience; they can actually signal some important health issues with your flock.
As someone who has kept chickens for a long time, I’ve had this issue more than once. The good news is that most of the reasons eggshells are too thin can be fixed with a few easy changes. We’ll talk about why your chicken egg shells might be thin and what you can do about it.
The Importance of Strong Egg Shells
Before we get into the causes, let’s understand why egg shells matter. An eggshell is primarily made of calcium carbonate (over 90%!) and serves as both protection and a calcium source for the developing chick. For us chicken keepers, strong shells mean:
- Eggs that don’t break during collection
- Ability to store eggs safely
- Prevention of bacterial contamination
- Healthier hens (calcium deficiency affects their health too)
6 Common Causes of Thin Egg Shells
1. Calcium Deficiency – The #1 Culprit
This is arguably the most common reason for thin-shelled eggs. Eggshells are over 90% calcium, which means your hens need plenty of this mineral to produce quality shells consistently.
Signs of calcium deficiency
- Paper-thin or soft shells
- Eggs that break easily
- Shell-less eggs (just membrane holding everything together)
- Misshapen eggs
Why it happens:
- Inadequate calcium in feed
- Hens not eating enough supplemental calcium
- Poor calcium absorption
- Diet too high in treats and low in balanced feed
Solution
- Provide crushed oyster shells or limestone in a separate container
- Ensure hens are eating a quality layer feed (16-18% protein)
- Limit treats to less than 10% of diet
- For severe cases, calcium citrate supplements can be given directly
Pro Tip: If your hens aren’t eating oyster shell, try calcium citrate tablets (available at drug stores). You can give one tablet directly into the hen’s beak daily until shell quality improves.
2. Vitamin D Deficiency
Even if your chickens have access to plenty of calcium, they may not be able to use it properly without vitamin D. This vitamin is crucial for calcium absorption during digestion.
Why it happens:
- Limited access to sunlight (vitamin D is synthesized from sunlight)
- Indoor housing with insufficient light
- Seasonal changes in sunlight exposure
Solution:
- Ensure hens have access to direct sunlight when possible
- Use a vitamin D supplement in water (products like Shell Aid)
- Some old-timers add cod liver oil to feed to provide vitamin D
3. Age of Hens
As hens get older (especially those 3+ years old), their egg quality naturally declines, including shell thickness.
Why it happens:
- Older hens typically lay larger eggs with the same amount of calcium
- The reproductive tract shows signs of wear over time
- Calcium absorption efficiency decreases with age
Solution:
- Allow proper molting periods for older hens (helps reproductive system reset)
- Provide extra calcium supplements for older layers
- Accept that older hens will generally produce thinner-shelled eggs
4. Egg Size Issues
When hens lay extra-large or jumbo eggs, they use the same amount of calcium to cover a bigger area, which makes the shells thinner.
Why it happens:
- Protein levels too high in diet (20%+ protein feeds)
- Feeding high-protein treats like mealworms or cat food
- Natural tendency of some hens to lay larger eggs
Solution:
- Control protein intake by feeding appropriate layer feed (16-18% protein)
- Limit high-protein treats
- Recognize that larger eggs will naturally have thinner shells
5. Shell Gland Problems
The shell gland (located just above the cloaca) is where shell formation happens, taking 15-20 hours to complete. Issues with this organ can lead to thin shells.
Why it happens:
- Infections in the reproductive tract
- Side effects of respiratory disease
- Genetic predisposition
- Shell gland fatigue
Solution:
- Consult a vet if you suspect shell gland infections
- Allow adequate rest periods between laying cycles
- Treat underlying respiratory conditions
- Consider calcium citrate supplements for faster absorption
6. Stress Factors
Stress during the 15-20 hour shell-formation process can significantly impact shell quality.
Common stress causes:
- Heat stress during hot weather
- Overcrowding in the coop
- Predator pressure
- Changes in environment or flock dynamics
- Exposure to mycotoxins in feed
Solution:
- Provide plenty of shade and fresh water during hot weather
- Ensure adequate space (4 sq ft per bird in coop, 10 sq ft in run)
- Address predator concerns
- Maintain consistent routines
- Buy quality feed from reputable manufacturers who test for mycotoxins
Other Possible Causes to Consider
1. Internal Parasites
Roundworms and other internal parasites can take away nutrients that are needed to make eggs, which makes the shells of the eggs very thin.
Solution: Regular worming program for your flock.
2. Mycotoxins in Feed
These toxic compounds produced by molds can affect shell quality. They grow on plants when the weather is wet, hot, or humid.
Solution: Purchase feed from quality manufacturers who test for mycotoxin levels.
3. Genetics
Some strains or individual birds are simply predisposed to laying thin-shelled eggs.
Solution: Limited options here except dietary improvements and possibly selective breeding if you hatch your own chicks.
When to Be Concerned
Occasional thin-shelled eggs aren’t usually cause for alarm, but consistent problems warrant attention because:
- Thin-shelled eggs can break inside the hen, potentially causing fatal peritonitis
- Broken eggs in nesting boxes can encourage egg-eating behavior
- Persistent thin shells may indicate underlying health issues
Action Plan for Fixing Thin Eggshells
If you’re dealing with thin shells, here’s a step-by-step approach:
-
First Week:
- Ensure 24/7 access to oyster shell or limestone
- Switch to quality layer feed only (no treats)
- Consider calcium citrate supplements for immediate help
-
Second Week:
- Add a vitamin supplement to water
- Ensure adequate sunlight access
- Check for overcrowding issues
-
If No Improvement:
- Consider internal parasite treatment
- Evaluate for stress factors
- Consult with a poultry vet about possible infections
A Real-World Example
One chicken keeper shared their experience with sudden thin-shelled eggs:
“My Easter Egger hen is 2.5 years old and has been laying consistently since she was 6 months old. After recovering from a respiratory infection, she laid one normal egg followed by several paper-thin eggs found scattered around the coop rather than in nesting boxes. The eggs had a strange texture and broke easily.”
This situation likely resulted from lingering effects of the respiratory infection on the shell gland, combined with the hen’s body recovering from illness. Using calcium citrate supplements and ensuring proper nutrition helped resolve the issue.
My Final Thoughts
Thin eggshells are usually fixable with proper nutrition and management. Most importantly, don’t panic! It’s a common problem that most chicken keepers face at some point.
Remember that eggshells are made from the inside out, with shell formation being the most time-consuming part of the egg-making process. By providing your hens with the proper building materials (calcium and vitamins) and reducing stress, you’ll likely see improvement in shell quality within a couple of weeks.
Have you dealt with thin eggshells in your flock? What solutions worked for you? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!
FAQ About Thin Eggshells
Q: Can egg-laying stop due to calcium deficiency?
A: Yes, in severe cases, hens may temporarily stop laying to preserve calcium for their own bodily functions.
Q: Is it safe to feed crushed eggshells back to chickens for calcium?
A: Yes, but always bake them first (350°F for 10 minutes) to prevent your chickens from developing an egg-eating habit.
Q: How quickly should I see improvement after increasing calcium?
A: Typically within 3-7 days, as the hen’s next eggs in the formation pipeline will benefit from the improved nutrition.
Q: Can thin shells be seasonal?
A: Absolutely! Hot summer weather is a common cause of thin shells due to heat stress and reduced feed intake.
Q: Are certain breeds more prone to thin-shelled eggs?
A: Yes, some production breeds that lay very frequently or breeds that lay colored eggs can be more susceptible to shell quality issues.
Why Hens Might Lay Weak or Soft Eggs
There can be several causes behind weak chicken eggs. While any hen might have an occasional soft egg and infrequent weak eggshells are nothing to be concerned about, if a hen is laying soft eggs regularly or with noticeably increasing frequency, she may be suffering from any of these conditions.
- Eggs that are too soft: If a hen lays too many eggs too quickly, she is likely to do this. It takes about 24 hours for an eggshell to properly deposit in the bird’s oviduct. If the bird lays eggs more quickly, the eggshells will be weaker.
- Poor Nutrition—A bad diet can make it hard for eggshells to form properly. This could be a problem, like not getting enough calcium, or it could just mean that the hens aren’t getting enough food, especially on hot days when they lose their appetites and don’t eat enough to make strong eggs.
- Lack of Hormones: If a hen’s hormones are out of whack, her eggs may have thinner or softer shells. Hens often do this as they get older and reach the end of their best egg-laying years.
- Stress—A hen that is under a lot of stress might not be able to lay strong eggs. When hens are stressed, like when they are being picked on by other hens, when they have to move to a new coop, or for other reasons, it can affect how many eggs they lay and how strong those eggs are.
- Thyroid Dysfunction: If a hen’s thyroid (a gland near the base of her neck) isn’t working right, she might not be able to absorb calcium as well and her eggs might not have stronger, thicker shells.
- molting: When hens go through their normal molts, their bodies use the food they eat to grow new, strong feathers to replace the ones they lose. Because of this, eggshells often become thinner or weaker during molting times.
- Getting too much ammonia in the coop from dirty coops and feces builds up can make it hard for hens to absorb calcium and make eggshells properly. Ammonia poisoning can happen from ammonia in the air or from food or water that has been tainted with it.
- Dehydration—Simple dehydration can make it harder for a hen to lay eggs and make the eggs they do lay softer because their metabolism slows down and they can’t absorb the nutrients from their food that help them make the strongest eggshells.
- Illness: If a hen is sick with a virus, bacteria, or even just a cut, her body will focus on healing that area. This can make it harder to make eggshells, which can make shells temporarily softer or weaker.
10 Ways to Increase Shell Strength in Chicken Eggs
Because there are many different possible causes of weak chicken egg shells, it is important to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. If the bird is injured or has nutritional deficiencies, the vet can recommend appropriate treatments and supplements or medication as necessary. Other options for increasing shell strength in chicken eggs include….
- Changing what you eat—Eggs that are healthier and stronger will naturally come from a healthier diet. Adding more protein, calcium, or vitamin D to the feed may help strengthen egg shells, but it depends on the nutritional needs of each hen and the feed itself.
- Giving Extra Calcium—Giving hens an extra source of calcium, like calcium-rich grit, can help them get enough of this important mineral. As an enrichment food, dark leafy greens can also be a great source of calcium.
- Lessening Stress—If the flock has been stressed, it can lead to hormone imbalances and anxiety that make it harder for the hens to lay eggs. Hens can be calmed down by avoiding overcrowding, making sure pets don’t bother the birds, and making sure there are no predators nearby.
- Keep Cool—Taking steps to keep chickens cool during the summer can make the eggs taste better. Hens can stay cool when it’s hot outside by having lots of fresh water, extra ventilation, putting the coop in the shade, and giving them ice blocks to play with.
- Improving Overall Health—Making sure hens are healthy all around is always good for getting them to lay lots of eggs that are strong. For a completely healthy flock, make sure the birds are the right weight, give them the right toys and food, and do other things.
- Medication: If a hen has problems with her thyroid or other hormones, or if she gets hurt or an infection, the right medicine can help her heal faster and make her eggs better. Talk to a vet to get the right diagnosis and more information on how to treat it.
- Cleaning the Coop: All the hens will be healthier and less stressed if the coop is clean. Regularly getting rid of extra poop will lower the amount of ammonia in the air, and better air flow will keep the birds more comfortable so they can lay eggs better.
- There should be a lot of water available for the hens. The water should also be as clean and fresh as possible. By setting up several watering stations, you can make sure that all of the hens can get to the water without having to fight or be stressed.
- Deworming: Internal parasites can hurt a hen’s gut health and ability to absorb nutrients. The chickens can make sure they get the most out of their food by getting dewormed on a regular basis. This will produce eggs that are healthier and stronger.
- Calling a Veterinarian—If any hen starts laying soft eggs more often or if there are any other changes that can be seen in how many eggs they are laying, you need to call a vet right away. A weak eggshell once in a while is normal, but a condition that lasts for a long time or affects a lot of eggs will need more treatment
The more steps you can take for a happier, healthier flock, the better the resulting eggshell strength will be and the more productive each hen will become. By understanding the different causes of weak eggshells, it is easy to take steps to increase shell strength in chickens and have much better egg production.
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