Thin egg shells - Ask Extension
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We buy eggs from a local farm. We trust the farmers, and are generally satisfied with the quality of the eggs. However, t...
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Thin egg shells #888933
Asked October 28, 2024, 6:56 PM EDT
Thanks for being there...
We buy eggs from a local farm. We trust the farmers, and are generally satisfied with the quality of the eggs. However, the shells are consistently very thin. From what I've seen, there are many reasons to be concerned about that, but it's not necessarily a problem.
Should be we concerned? Are there questions we should ask? Other suggestions? More info we can provide?
Thank you!
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Thin eggshells are uncommon with commercial hen strains. Shell quality is a factor in selection when they’re bred. Commercial keepers almost invariably feed prepared compounds such as layers pellet which prevents the problem appearing. Home keepers are the ones who tend to have the problem as it’s usually due to diet. Often too many less nutritious treats are being fed. There is another reason for thin eggshells; not a lack of calcium but a shortage of vitamins, particularly vitamin D. The lack of the vitamin means the hen cannot process the calcium. The only danger would be that minute pores or cracks may be present which could become contaminated. All eggs should be cooked well, never used raw.
