Common Causes of Soft-Shelled Eggs in Chickens

What They Mean and What You Can Do

Finding a soft-shelled or shell-less egg can be alarming, but in many cases the cause is manageable. Eggshell quality depends on nutrition, environment, and a hen’s overall health. Below are the most common reasons soft-shelled eggs occur and how to address them.

Common Causes of Soft-Shelled Eggs

1. Not enough Calcium

Hens need large amounts of calcium to form strong eggshells. If their diet does not provide enough calcium—or if absorption is poor—shells may be thin or soft.

What to do:

• • Feed a complete layer feed designed for laying hens
  • Offer free-choice oyster shell or crushed eggshells in a separate dish at all times

2. Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption. Without it, even a calcium-rich diet may not be effective.

What to do:

• • Ensure access to natural sunlight
  • If birds are housed indoors, discuss vitamin D3 supplementation with your veterinarian

3. Age-Related Changes

Young hens (pullets) just starting to lay may produce soft or irregular eggs ● Older hens nearing the end of their laying life may also have shell quality issues

What to do:

• • Be patient
  • Focus on excellent nutrition and overall care

4. Stress

Stress can interrupt normal egg formation.

Common stressors include:

• • Loud noises
  • Predator pressure
  • Overcrowding
  • Sudden changes in routine or environment

What to do:

• • Provide a calm, safe, and predictable environment
  • Ensure adequate space and shelter

5. Heat Stress

Hot weather can reduce appetite, which lowers calcium intake.

What to do:

• • Provide shade and good ventilation
  • Offer cool, fresh water at all times
  • Consider wetting feed or offering water-rich treats (like cucumber or watermelon)

6. Reproductive Tract Problems

Persistent soft-shelled eggs may indicate issues such as:

• • Internal laying
  • Oviduct inflammation or infection
  • Egg binding

What to do:

• • Contact your veterinarian if soft-shelled eggs continue or your hen seems uncomfortable

7. Illness

Certain diseases (such as infectious bronchitis) can affect the egg-laying system and shell quality.

What to do:

• • Watch for respiratory signs or sudden changes across the flock
  • Report concerns promptly to your veterinarian

What You Can Do at Home

• • Feed a high-quality layer pellet with 3.5–4% calcium
  • Offer oyster shell free-choice
  • Ensure sunlight exposure or appropriate indoor lighting
  • Limit low-calcium treats (corn, scratch, table scraps)
  • Keep the coop clean, cool, and low-stress

When to Call Your Veterinarian

Contact your veterinarian if:

• • Your hen stops laying altogether
  • The same hen repeatedly lays soft-shelled eggs
  • She appears lethargic, fluffed up, or stops eating
  • You suspect egg binding or internal laying

The Bottom Line

Healthy hens lay healthy eggs. Most soft-shelled eggs can be corrected with proper nutrition, environment, and care. If the problem persists or your hen shows signs of illness, veterinary guidance is important. If you have questions or concerns, we’re here to help.