Egg Shell Hardness?

Question

Hey guys, I'm trying to do some investigating on what affects the shell hardness of a chicken's eggs... Does anyone have any background information that I can use? I'm looking for factors such as chicken feed, material of perches, Freerange vs Barn, stuff like that. Internet sources would be great, and all help is greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

feed them some crushed oyster shell and the shell will be rock hard

Answer 2

The amount of calcium available will ultimately determine egg shell thickness and thus hardness.  Commercial layer mash will usually supply an adequate amount of calcium.  Some people supply ground oyster shell to chickens free choice.  Free-ranging chickens will usually take care to get the calcium they need.  Caged chickens depend on the feed and mineral supplement given them.

Answer 3

Calcium in the diet is what affects the shell hardness...

You can dry and crush egg shells and feed them back to the chickens.... You can suppliment feed with calcium carbonate, etc....  Same as our bones...it's calcium and "Yes" it has everything to do with their diet...

Answer 4

Old eggs get brittle, fresh eggs are softer shelled.

Answer 5

Diet & age are the biggest factors regaurding shell thickness. Oyster shells & calcium harden shells. Older hens produce softer shells

Answer 6

Egg shell hardness comes from proper levels of Calcium in the hens diet.  Other nutrients that affect Calcium availability and absorbtion also have an effect.  Every month through the winter I cook eggs for a pancake breakfast and there sure is a lot of variability.

The National Research Council publishes a booklet on poultry nutrition.  You can review it on line to get more information.

Answer 7

Usually is related to a diet poor in Ca.

A lack of natural light can also affect the Ca metabolism via a lack of vitamin D.

A very rich diet in P can also produce a disbalance with Ca.

Answer 8

Egg shell hardness is related to the birds diet.  Free range birds swallow gravel and grit to help with the shell hardness.  

Caged birds are fed oyster shell ground egg shells which helps make the shells hard.  Places to check on the internet.

www.ams.usda.gov/poultry

www.aphis.usda.gov

www.unitedegg.org

Answer 9

Everything about the egg depends on food, water, and sunlight.

I live in Central America and the eggs here are not what I am accustomed to. The shells are thin, the yolks are very pale, thin,and break when you attempt to flip the egg. They do not refrigerate and often the eggs are rotten when you buy them.

http://ag.ansc.purdue.edu/poultry/multis...

http://www.meti.go.jp/english/informatio...

Hope this helps.

Answer 10

The diet fed to the chicken is very important.  It must contain the proper amount of calcium.  Perches, free range or barn raised should have little effect.