Why is this abnormal egg on the house floor?

Photo: Marcel Berendsen

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: This egg has an extra calcium deposit around its shell and was found outside the laying nest.

• THINK: This egg has been laid six to eight hours too late. You often find this sort of egg on the floor or on the grids. A hen will lay this type of egg anywhere she happens to be at the time. The ovulation determines the timing of laying behaviour, which includes sitting in a nest. If the egg stays too long in the oviduct for one reason or another, the hen lays it without any normal laying behaviour.

• ACT: Make sure there is peace in the house at laying time. Stress if often the reason for an egg retaining in the oviduct.