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Have you noticed your hens laying eggs with strange tail-like extensions? This can be concerning, especially if it’s your first time seeing it. Naturally, you might wonder what causes this unusual occurrence.
You will be happy to hear you’re not alone, as many poultry keepers have experienced this oddity. But what do you do when it happens? We will take a look at the potential causes of this unusual egg and discuss practical solutions for when you discover your chickens laying eggs with tails.
Why Do Some Eggs Have Tails?
One common reason for eggs with tails is linked to the hen’s diet. If you’re providing crushed eggshells or oyster shells, these supplements might affect how the eggs form. Some suggest that an excess of crushed eggshells can weaken the eggshell membrane, leading to the appearance of a tail-like extension. Stress in hens can also contribute to these irregular eggs, which may sometimes have broken yolks as well.
Another factor to consider is calcium deficiency. When hens don’t get enough calcium, they might lay soft-shelled eggs, which can develop tails. Providing your flock with enough calcium is crucial, and offering oyster shell supplements is an effective way to meet this need.
If you’ve relied on crushed eggshells, consider switching to oyster shells for a more reliable calcium source. It’s also important to monitor the overall balance of your hens’ diet, making sure they receive the proper nutrients without overloading their system.
The Chicken Laid a Soft Egg with a Tail
If your chicken laid a soft egg with a tail-like appendage, there are a few potential causes to consider:
- Calcium Deficiency: The most common reason for soft-shelled eggs is a lack of calcium in the hen’s diet. Calcium is essential for forming strong eggshells.
- Reproductive System Irregularities: The tail-like feature could be the result of an anomaly in the hen’s reproductive process. Sometimes, extra calcium or other materials can accumulate during egg formation, leading to unusual shapes or extensions.
- Stress: Environmental stress, disturbances, or underlying health issues can interfere with normal egg-laying, causing abnormalities in the eggs.
- Age or Health Concerns: Young hens just beginning to lay or older hens nearing the end of their laying cycle often produce irregular eggs. Health issues may also play a role in these abnormalities.
To address the issue, ensure your hens have a calcium-rich diet and create a calm, stable environment to reduce stress. This will help promote healthier egg production.
Is There a Link to Antibiotics or Immune Boosters?
If you’ve discovered an egg with a tail in your coop, your first concern might be how to prevent it from happening again.
Vitamin D
Hens that are deficient in vitamin D are more likely to lay eggs with tails. Providing your chickens with sufficient vitamin D, either through supplements or by allowing them outdoor access in the morning sunlight, can help maintain healthy vitamin D levels.
Immune Support Defense Booster
For a comprehensive supplement, consider trying an Immune Support Defense Booster. This all-in-one product is formulated to strengthen your chickens’ immune system, which in turn supports the production of healthier eggs. A strong immune system is key for hens to produce quality eggs consistently.
This supplement contains eight key ingredients, including turmeric, ginger, echinacea, elderberry, quercetin, and vitamin C, all working together to keep your flock’s immune system in top shape.
Is The Hen Sick If She Lays an Egg With A Tail?
Knowing whether she is sick could be quite difficult if this is your first time raising chickens. This is because hens are often secretive. It would be easier for you to say if a hen is sick when you know the signs and symptoms of an ill chicken.
How would you know if the hen is sick if she lays an egg with a tail? Some of you may not know the answer. As mentioned, most hens can hide their health problems or illnesses. If she’s done laying her eggs, you may not even notice that she has health complications.
Laying eggs with tails can show issues with your hen’s health status. To give you an idea of how to know if a hen is sick, I have listed some of the common systems of an unhealthy hen:
- Tail pumping
- Abdominal straining
- Shaky wings
- Depressed or looks sick/stressed
- Fluffed up, sitting around, and often sluggish
- Does not show interest in drinking or eating
What Should You Do When You Find an Egg with a Tail in Your Coop?
If you discover an egg with a tail in your coop, the first step is to assess your chicken’s health. One possible cause is that your hen may be egg-bound, which can result in misshapen eggs or those with tail-like appendages.
To help resolve this issue, follow these key steps:
Prepare an Epsom Salt Bath: Mix Epsom salts with warm water in a 1:1 ratio (one cup of Epsom salts per gallon of water). Ensure the mixture is deep enough to cover the lower part of the hen.
Provide a Calcium Supplement: Before bathing, it’s a good idea to give the hen a calcium-rich supplement to support her system. If you don’t have one on hand, consider getting a powdered calcium supplement for easy ingestion.
Give the Hen a Bath: After the calcium supplement, gently place your hen in the prepared Epsom salt bath. This can help relax her muscles and stimulate egg passage.
Massage for Oviduct Stimulation: Once the bath is complete, gently massage the hen’s abdomen to help stimulate the oviduct.
Dry and Rest: After the treatment, dry the hen thoroughly and place her in a warm, dry crate with plenty of food and water.
Repeat as Necessary: If the issue persists, repeat the process every few hours up to four times.
