Why are there stripes on this egg?

Photo: Jan van Esch

Stripes on the egg shell can mean a couple things. These stripes are hen footprints, find out what that means...

Ask yourself the following questions:  What do I see?   What does it mean?   What should I do?

This is Practical guide to improving egg quality

• LOOK: Somewhat longer stripes can be seen on eggs.

• THINK: These stripes are foot prints of hens. It can be a signal that the mats are old and worn; the egg cannot roll away fast enough. Stripes due to dirty mats are a bit shorter.

• ACT: Check the plank in front of the nest, it might be dirty. A hen that steps on a dirty plank will pick up dirt and take it into the nest box. Check the quality of the mats