Chickens Laying Soft Eggs? Causes, Solutions, and Prevention Tips

Have you ever reached into the nesting box only to find an egg with a rubbery, soft shell—or no shell at all? It’s alarming, especially if your hens have been laying normally. Soft-shelled eggs are one of the most common issues backyard chicken keepers face.

This guide breaks down why your chickens might be laying soft eggs, what it means for their health, and how to fix it naturally and effectively.

What Are Soft-Shelled Eggs?

Soft-shelled eggs are eggs that are laid with a very thin or nonexistent shell, often feeling rubbery or covered only by a membrane.

They can appear misshapen, collapse when touched, or even break inside the nesting box. While one soft egg isn’t necessarily cause for panic, consistent soft eggs should be taken seriously.

What Causes Chickens to Lay Soft Eggs?

Soft eggs are usually the result of a calcium imbalance, stress, illness, or age-related changes in your hen’s body.

Let’s break down the top causes in more detail.

1. Calcium Deficiency

This is the most common reason hens lay soft eggs. Eggshells are made primarily of calcium carbonate. If your hen doesn’t get enough calcium in her diet, her body won’t be able to form strong shells.

• Inadequate layer feed
• Not offering oyster shell or crushed eggshells
• Too many low-calcium treats or scraps

2. Immature Laying System

Young hens (pullets) just starting to lay often produce soft-shelled or malformed eggs as their reproductive system develops. This usually resolves within a few weeks.

3. Stress

Stress interrupts the egg-laying cycle and can affect shell development. Common stressors include:

• Predator threats
• New flock members
• Overcrowding or coop changes
• Extreme weather

4. Illness or Parasites

Diseases such as infectious bronchitis and other respiratory infections can affect the reproductive tract, leading to shell abnormalities. Internal parasites can also interfere with nutrient absorption.

5. Poor Nutrition

Even if hens are eating enough food, the quality matters. Lack of vitamin D3, phosphorus, and protein can all impact eggshell quality.

6. Age and Genetics

Older hens sometimes lay softer eggs due to declining reproductive health. Also, some breeds (especially high-production layers) are more prone to laying issues.

Is It Safe to Eat a Soft-Shelled Egg?

It depends. Soft eggs are more likely to be contaminated because the protective shell barrier is weak or missing.

If the membrane is intact and the egg is clean, you may cook it immediately. But if the egg is broken, dirty, or has been sitting for a while, it’s safest to discard it.

How to Prevent Soft Eggs in Chickens

Preventing soft eggs starts with proper nutrition, good coop management, and routine observation. Here are effective ways to correct and prevent this issue:

1. Provide a Balanced Layer Feed

Use a high-quality layer feed with at least 16% protein and added calcium. Avoid relying on scratch grains or kitchen scraps as a main food source.

2. Offer Free-Choice Calcium

Always provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells in a separate dish. Don’t mix it into the feed, as hens will self-regulate their intake based on need.

3. Supplement with Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 helps chickens absorb calcium. Add a poultry-specific supplement or use cod liver oil in small amounts.

4. Reduce Stress in the Coop

• Provide adequate space (4 sq ft per bird inside, 10 sq ft outside)
• Keep the coop quiet, clean, and predator-proof
• Introduce new birds slowly

5. Treat for Parasites

Worms and mites can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Use natural or commercial dewormers on a regular schedule, especially in spring and fall.

6. Allow Access to Sunlight

Natural sunlight supports vitamin D production. Let your hens free-range or provide outdoor access daily when possible.

Natural Remedies for Soft-Shelled Eggs

If you’re looking for chemical-free ways to support shell quality, herbal and nutritional remedies can help.

• Crushed eggshells: Rinse, bake, and crush shells to return calcium to your hens
• Sea kelp: Rich in iodine, trace minerals, and vitamins
• Garlic and oregano: Natural antimicrobials that boost gut and immune health
• Apple cider vinegar: Helps nutrient absorption when added to water (1 tbsp per gallon)

For a deeper dive into herbal chicken care, The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies is your go-to resource. It’s packed with over 100 natural solutions to common poultry (and human) problems—without chemicals or antibiotics.

When to Be Concerned About Soft Eggs

One occasional soft egg isn’t a major issue, especially from a new layer. But you should be concerned if:

• Multiple hens are laying soft or shell-less eggs
• It happens consistently for more than a week
• Your hen shows other signs of illness (lethargy, pale combs, loss of appetite)
• Eggs break inside the hen (can lead to internal infections)

If you suspect infection or internal laying, isolate the bird and consult a vet if symptoms worsen.

Build a Better Coop for Healthier Eggs

Coop design and cleanliness play a huge role in egg quality. A wet, dirty, or overcrowded coop can increase stress, disease, and reduce laying consistency.

Want to build a better nesting box, calcium dispenser, or predator-proof run? Check out the Woodworking, DIY & Survival Plans Guide. With thousands of blueprints, you can easily create:

• Easy-clean nesting boxes
• Rodent-proof feed bins
• Solar-powered coop lights
• Mobile tractors and shade shelters

Perfect for homesteaders, backyard chicken lovers, and off-grid families.

Conclusion

Chickens laying soft eggs can signal minor imbalances or more serious health concerns. Most of the time, a little calcium, better feed, and stress reduction will solve the issue fast. Keep a close eye on your flock’s laying patterns and adjust care as needed.

Want more natural ways to care for your flock? Get The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies and start treating your birds (and yourself) naturally. Looking to improve your coop setup or add new builds? Explore the DIY Plans Guide for smarter, cost-effective poultry solutions.