If you’ve noticed your hens laying smaller-than-usual eggs, you might be wondering what’s going on.
As a chicken owner, it can be surprising or even concerning to find these tiny eggs in the nesting boxes.
However, there’s usually no need to worry. These tiny eggs, often called “fairy eggs,” are typically the result of a minor misfire in a chicken’s reproductive system.
Usually, these fairy or witch eggs are round with no yolk and only egg white. In rare cases, it could be all yolk and with no white, and it can also be a little miniature egg.
Chickens lay small eggs when they are under stress, not getting proper nutrition or due to some health issues.
In this article, we’ll look at the different reasons why your hens might be laying small eggs and share some easy tips to help you fix the problem so your chickens can start laying regular-sized eggs again.
Why My Chickens are Laying Small Eggs?
Egg irregularities are typical, and there’s usually no need to worry. Most of the time, they don’t signal a serious problem.
However, as a chicken owner, you want to see whole, healthy eggs from your flock. Understanding the cause of these small or “fairy” eggs can help prevent them from happening too often.
Before diving into the reasons, it’s helpful to know a bit about how a hen’s reproductive system works. The entire process of making an egg takes about 25 hours, and another egg starts forming about 30 minutes after the last one is laid.
The magic begins when the yolk enters the oviduct. If a rooster is around, the yolk is fertilized by his sperm, and then it’s covered in egg white and shell membranes, which takes about 5 hours.
After that, the shell forms and gets its color, a process that takes another 20 hours.
What causes hens to lay fairy eggs?
1. Age of the Hens
One common reason hens lay small eggs is their age. Just like people, chickens go through different stages of development, and this affects their egg production.
Young Hens (Pullets)
Pullets, or hens under one-year-old, usually start laying eggs between 18 and 24 weeks of age. At first, their eggs are smaller because their reproductive systems are still maturing. As they get older, their eggs will gradually become more extensive.
Older Hens
On the other hand, older hens (those past their prime laying years) may also lay smaller eggs. As hens age, their egg production naturally decreases, and the eggs they do lay may be smaller because their reproductive systems have worn down over time.
What to Do
For young hens, be patient. Their eggs will get bigger as they mature. For older hens, give them extra nutritional support to keep them healthy and help them lay as efficiently as possible.
2. Breed of the Hen
The breed of your hen plays a significant role in the size of the eggs she lays. Not all chicken breeds are the same when it comes to egg size.
Standard vs. Bantam Breeds
Bantam breeds, which are smaller chickens, naturally lay smaller eggs compared to standard-sized breeds. For example, a bantam Cochin will lay much smaller eggs than a standard-sized Leghorn.
Egg-Laying Breeds
Some breeds are known for laying larger eggs consistently, like Rhode Island Reds, Sussex, and Australorps. If you want bigger eggs, these breeds might be a better choice.
What to Do
If you’re raising bantam breeds and want larger eggs, consider adding some standard-sized layers to your flock. If you already have standard-sized breeds and still see small eggs, other factors might be causing the issue, which we’ll cover next.
3. Nutrition and Diet
A hen’s diet is crucial to her health and egg production. Poor nutrition can lead to smaller eggs and other health problems.
Protein and Calcium
Protein is essential for egg size, and a lack of it can result in smaller eggs. Calcium is crucial for strong eggshells. Without enough calcium, hens may lay eggs with thin shells or no shells at all, and their egg size may shrink.
Balanced Diet
A good diet for laying hens includes high-quality layer feed with 16-18% protein. Also, offering free-choice calcium supplements, like crushed oyster shells, ensures they get enough calcium. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains can be given as treats, but these shouldn’t replace their main feed, as it might dilute their overall nutrition.
Water Intake
Hydration is often overlooked, but it’s vital for egg production. Hens need constant access to fresh, clean water. Dehydration can reduce egg production and lead to smaller eggs.
What to Do
Check your hens’ diet to make sure they’re getting a high-quality layer feed. You can add extra protein, like mealworms or soybeans if needed. Always provide free-choice calcium and make sure they have clean water available all the time.
4. Stress and Environmental Factors
Stress can significantly affect the size and frequency of eggs your hens lay. Chickens are sensitive to their surroundings, and various stressors can lead to smaller eggs.
Predator Threats
If your hens feel threatened by predators, even if the predator is just outside the coop, they can get stressed, which can impact their egg production.
Overcrowding
Overcrowded conditions can lead to stress and competition for food, water, and nesting space. This can cause some hens to lay smaller eggs or stop laying altogether.
Changes in Environment
Sudden changes, like moving to a new coop, adding new flock members, or changes in weather, can stress your hens and temporarily affect egg size.
What to Do
Make sure your hens have a safe, predator-proof coop, and watch for signs of stress. Provide enough space for each hen (about 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 10 square feet in the run). Avoid sudden changes to their environment and introduce new flock members gradually.
5. Health Issues and Parasites
Health problems can have a significant impact on a hen’s ability to lay normal-sized eggs.
Illness
Illness can weaken a hen, making it hard for her to produce normal-sized eggs. Respiratory infections, reproductive tract infections, and other diseases can lead to smaller eggs. If you notice symptoms like lethargy, sneezing, or changes in behavior, consult a vet.
Parasites
External parasites, like mites and lice, and internal parasites, like worms, can drain nutrients from your hens, leading to smaller eggs. Regular health checks and parasite prevention are vital to keeping your hens healthy and their egg production average.
What to Do
Keep a close eye on your hens’ health and be proactive with parasite prevention. Clean the coop regularly, provide dust baths, and consider routine deworming if parasites are an issue. If you suspect illness, get veterinary advice quickly.
6. Season and Light Exposure
The time of year and the amount of light your hens get can also affect the size of their eggs.
Daylight Hours
Hens need around 14-16 hours of daylight to keep laying eggs consistently. During the shorter days of fall and winter, they may lay fewer and smaller eggs due to less light exposure.
Temperature Fluctuations
Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can stress your hens and affect their egg production. Cold weather can slow down their metabolism, while excessive heat can cause dehydration and smaller eggs.
Artificial Lighting
To counter the effects of shorter days, many chicken keepers use artificial lighting in the coop. This can help maintain consistent egg production and size during winter. The light should mimic natural daylight but don’t overdo it, as hens need periods of darkness to rest.
What to Do
If you notice smaller eggs during colder months, consider adding a light source to your coop to extend daylight hours. Ensure the coop is well-ventilated and insulated to protect against extreme temperatures. During hot weather, provide plenty of shade and fresh water.
7. Genetics and Hormonal Factors
Lastly, genetics and hormonal changes can play a role in egg size.
Genetic Predisposition
Some hens are genetically predisposed to lay smaller eggs, especially if their parents or grandparents were small egg layers. While you can’t change their genetics, understanding this can help set realistic expectations.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal imbalances, often related to stress or health issues, can also affect egg size. These changes might be temporary, especially during molting or after an illness.
What to Do
While you can’t change a hen’s genetics, keeping her healthy and cared for can help her lay the best eggs possible. If you suspect a hormonal issue, consult a vet for advice.
Conclusion
Factors like age, breed, and diet play vital roles in the size of the egg.
Knowing the underlying cause of small eggs can help you to improve their size. However, in most cases you don’t have to worry and enjoy the miniature egg for your supper.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting