Strange eggs being laid by one hen!!

[Sue]

I am getting the strangest eggs being laid by just one hen, a red Sussex. She has laid normal eggs before and is about 18 months old. They are larger than she normally lays, have what looks like raised vein patterns all over the shell and there doesn't seem to be a membrane between the shell and the contents also the shell is very thin. The egg inside is normal. So is the hen, she is well and healthy. They do have Myco and IB, but she hasn't really been affected at all and all the hens are well at the moment. She lays regularly and every egg is the same, strange! She has laid about 6 or 7 like this. All the other hens are laying normal eggs and they are all fed Garvo Alfamix.

Anyone got any ideas what is causing this?

 

[Marigold]

Hi Sue, not much idea what could be happening, but I wondered if you had read the link I posted in this thread http://poultrykeeperforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=8166 which does mention the possible effect of IB on the egg-laying system. Maybe it could be possible that she has had a mild flare-up of Myco or IB,has then recovered apparently, but has been left with a damaged system? Maybe others will have some ideas about this?

 

[Sue]

Hi Marigold, I've had a look at the thread you mentioned and yes, they are very similar to the example laid by hens with possible IB, so that looks like it could be the reason. Interesting how she hasn't shown any symptoms ever, yet the one who is the worst affected and is always sneezing, coughing and has a discharge, lays the most regularly and they are perfectly formed, normal looking eggs!

 

[Marigold]

Yes, now you've posted those pictures they do look similar to the ones in the link, don't they?
Hens are really funny creatures - especially yours!

 

[Sue]

Thank you Marigold!!!!! :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

 

[foxy]

I think it is a testament to your good husbandry that your hen is very well and content. The only symptoms she is presenting with are misshapen egg shells, despite testing positive to both IB and Mycoplasma. Infectious Bronchitis symptoms outwardly can be quite mild, but this is a nasty disease, the virus can cause a lot of damage through the reproductive tract and also the kidneys, leading to problems with egg-laying. It is likely that her life will be shortened due to complications later on, but at least she will be a happy and well cared for hen with you Sue

 

[Sue]

Thank you Marigold and Foxy. Would you believe it! She has laid a completely normal egg today, she must have heard me talking about her!!