Re: blotchy shells

rumblings wrote:
eggbox wrote:

"Jill" <news@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:13ua69hj97pmh6a@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

the big problem is that eggs should not be posted


I agree. This is why I always collect my eggs, but if someone decides it's too much trouble and chooses to have them posted, then sole responsablity lies with them, no one else.


How many none hatching batches would you need to hear of Chirpy before you'd accept there is a problem with the eggs? (I'm talking of batches which don't hatch in with Ebay eggs that do hatch)

Having had zero out of two batches, I'd still be prepared to put it down to bad luck with the post, if it wasn't for the fact that this or similar seems to be everyone else's experience as well. (and then there are the dodgy shells as well)

I've been interested in this thread because despite having an apparently enthusiastic *** and a whole heap of hens I've had poor results this year from hens sitting on a selection of eggs from the extended family. A rooster who's not as effective as he's a ladies' man? But then it seems to have been a poor year for others here (Dunedin, New Zealand. Various others with backyard chooks, accustomed to either deliberately set broodies on eggs, or mums appearing out of nowhere followed by numerous peep-peeping chicks, say they've had very few this year. I've had a bit of trouble with thin shell especially my one Araucana. It's her first year of laying. She laid a lot of double-yolkers but seems to have got over that, but more worryingly she produces a very fragile egg now and then. Food: normal layers' mash, some wheat late afternoon, weeds and lawn mowings and cafe scraps with most of the bread removed. Fine and coarse grit always available.

On thing that crossed my mind, and it is something unlikely to have affected many Ebay eggs because the sellers would know what they are doing: human error. One untrained labourer who "does a good deed" by wiping eggs clean of any poo with a damp cloth, could that happen? Things happen when for instance one person is off sick and others fill in by doing his job for a day or two.

A L P
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