Why Are My Chickens Laying Small or Soft Eggs? (Causes and Solutions)

Why Are My Chickens Laying Small or Soft Eggs? (Causes and Solutions)

You go out to the coop, reach into the nest box, and instead of a nice, firm egg, you find something tiny — or worse, something soft and squishy. It's concerning, but it's usually not a disaster.

I've been keeping Light Sussex and Orpingtons here in Devon for years. I've seen small eggs, soft eggs, and even eggs with no shell at all. Here's what I've learned about what causes them and when to worry.

🐔 Quick answer

🥚 Small eggs — usually from young pullets just starting to lay. They'll get bigger over time.
🥚 Soft-shelled or shell-less eggs — often a calcium deficiency, but can also be caused by stress, age, illness, or reproductive issues.
💡 Calcium supplements (crushed eggshells, oyster shell) help prevent soft eggs.
⚠️ Persistent soft eggs in multiple hens may be a sign of a broader health issue.

What I've learned about small eggs (from young pullets)

When my pullets first started laying, the eggs were tiny — half the size of a normal egg. I was concerned at first. But I'd read that young pullets often lay small eggs because their reproductive systems are still developing. The passage is narrow, and the eggs are smaller.

Within a few weeks, the eggs got bigger. Within a month or two, they were normal size. So if your pullets are just starting to lay and the eggs are small, don't worry — it's completely normal.

The key is patience. Young hens just need time to get into their rhythm. If they're getting good feed, plenty of calcium, and a low-stress environment, the eggs will size up naturally.

Soft eggs: what causes them (and what to do)

A soft-shelled egg (or an egg with no shell at all) is more concerning than a small egg. I've seen them in my flock when young hens were transitioning into lay and later with older hens before they stopped laying altogether.

Several factors can cause soft eggs:

1. Calcium deficiency (common, but not the only cause)

Hens need a constant supply of calcium to form strong eggshells. If their diet lacks calcium, they'll pull it from their bones. This leads to weak shells, soft shells, or no shell at all.

What works: Offer crushed oyster shell or dried, crushed eggshells in a separate bowl. Hens will eat it as needed, especially during the peak laying period when demand for calcium is highest.

2. Age and breed

Young pullets sometimes lay soft eggs in their first few weeks of laying — it's part of the adjustment period. Older hens (often 3+ years, depending on breed) may also start laying larger eggs with thinner shells or occasional soft eggs as their reproductive system winds down.

3. Stress

One winter, a fox came through the garden — no birds were taken, but the entire flock went quiet. For the next few days, eggshells were noticeably weaker. Stress can affect shell formation, even if it's not the main cause of long-term soft eggs.

4. Illness or reproductive issues

If soft eggs persist in multiple hens — even after you've addressed nutrition and stress — it may be a sign of a broader health issue. Check for respiratory infections or reproductive disorders.

What about eggs with no shell at all?

Occasionally, a hen will lay an egg with no shell — just the membrane. I've seen this happen with both young and old hens. Usually, it's a one‑off event, especially in young layers. If it persists, I check calcium intake and stress levels.

If shell-less eggs happen repeatedly in multiple hens, check feed quality and consider a more complete mineral supplement.

What about fairy eggs?

Occasionally, young pullets lay tiny eggs with little or no yolk. These are often called fairy eggs or wind eggs. They're usually harmless and become less common as the hen matures. If you find one, don't panic — it's normal for new layers.

What I don't do (and why)

• I don't panic over the first small egg. If a young pullet lays a tiny egg, I just wait for the next one. It's normal.
• I don't try to feed more calcium directly into the feed. I offer it separately, so hens can eat what they need.
• I don't assume soft eggs are always a calcium problem. I also consider stress, age, and illness as factors.

When should you call a vet?

While most cases of small or soft eggs resolve with time or calcium adjustment, there are situations where a vet check is advisable:

• Persistent shell-less eggs — if a hen repeatedly lays eggs without shells, especially if it's affecting multiple birds.
• Lethargy or reduced appetite — if a hen appears unwell, is inactive, or isn't eating.
• Respiratory signs — coughing, sneezing, or laboured breathing.
• Swollen abdomen — a noticeable swelling around the vent area.
• Multiple hens affected — if several hens are laying soft eggs simultaneously, it may indicate a contagious issue or a systemic feed problem.

What I tell beginners (the honest version)

If your pullets have just started laying and the eggs are small — be patient. They'll grow.

If you're finding soft eggs, reviewing calcium intake is a sensible first step, but nutrition isn't the only possible cause. Age, stress, illness, and reproductive problems can also affect shell quality.

If soft eggs persist, look at stress factors and flock age — and if you're still unsure, check the feed quality and consider whether a vet visit is needed.

Final Verdict

In most cases, small eggs are a normal part of a young hen's development, while occasional soft eggs are often linked to nutrition, stress, or age. Focus on good feed, separate calcium, and a calm environment before assuming something is seriously wrong. If multiple hens are affected or the problem continues, investigate further.

Many minor shell-quality issues improve once nutrition and management problems are addressed. If you're still concerned, a vet check can help rule out more serious underlying causes.