Chicken help: Egg colour?

[MrZebra]

I have three chickies that lay white eggs, however I've noticed that recently one of them has started laying eggs that are a bit more brown. Could this be a sign of a health problem?

http://www.mrzebra.co.uk/stuff/temp/eggs.jpg

[Oola]

I doubt it - it's probably due to a gradual change in their feed/diet. If they're on layers mash they should be getting everything they need, but as they probably forage too they might be getting extra grit etc. from the ground.

I think you should only be worried if the egg is blood-stained (it's not), soft or very bumpy/wrinkly in texture, or if the eggs are getting excessively large (can cause problems later on).

[MrZebra]

That's good to know, thanks. They're on a 50/50 mix of layer's pellets and mixed grains; they're also free to roam around anywhere they like, so they do have a good scratch and peck around. It just seemed strange that it only happened to one of them.

[Oola]

Well just keep an eye on her. If she seems otherwise OK, then I don't think you need to worry. One particular hen might have a preference for eating grit from the soil. Just out of interest - is your soil quite red in Angelsey?

[MrZebra]

Nope the soil isn't particularly red. I don't know which one it is, either... I confess, I can't tell them apart :P