Why Are My Chickens Laying Soft-Shelled Eggs?

Finding a soft, squishy, or completely shell-less egg in your nesting box can be alarming, as these fragile oddities lack the hard outer shell (calcium carbonate) that protects the yolk and egg white.

If you just found one of these in your coop, don’t panic. While it can look bizarre, a soft-shelled egg is basically your flock’s way of sending you a distress signal. It is usually the result of a temporary imbalance, but if ignored, it can lead to serious health issues for your hens, such as egg binding.

Top 5 Reasons Your Chickens Lay Soft Shelled Eggs

1. Calcium Deficiency Is the Main Cause

Eggshells are about 95 percent calcium carbonate. Hens need a constant supply to produce eggs daily.
If calcium intake is too low, the body pulls it from bones. Once reserves drop, eggs become thin or soft.

2. Poor Calcium Phosphorus Balance

Calcium alone is not enough. It needs support from phosphorus and vitamin D3.

• Vitamin D3 helps absorb calcium
• Phosphorus helps form strong shells

Too much phosphorus from treats like mealworms blocks calcium absorption. This leads to weak shells even if calcium is available.

3. Heat Stress Affects Shell Formation

High temperatures can disrupt egg production.

Chickens cool down by panting, which changes blood chemistry. This reduces key compounds needed for shell formation, resulting in softer eggs.

4. Age Plays a Big Role

Shell quality varies with age.

• Young hens may lay soft eggs as their system develops
• Older hens absorb calcium less efficiently

Both stages can lead to weaker shells.

5. Too Many Treats Reduce Nutrition

Excess treats dilute a balanced diet.

If treats exceed 10 percent of daily intake, hens get less protein and calcium. This quickly leads to poor shell quality and lower egg production.

How to Fix Soft Shelled Eggs

• Provide a calcium rich diet such as SupremeGrubs' Black Soldier Fly Larvae
• Maintain proper nutrient balance
• Reduce treats
• Keep hens cool
• Adjust care based on age

These steps help restore strong and healthy eggshells.