Bad eggs

[adamhartree]

Hi, I have 3 chickens and over the last couple of weeks some of the eggs have a bad smell and taste when cracked open and cooked. They are on the same diet as they have always been on (pellets, corn,mealworms). Does anyone else know why this is or has anyone experienced anything like this before. Any advice welcome I will give anything a try. Thanks all

[chris]

Bad in as in way? Is it just from one hen? Are they freshly laid and collected? Laid in a dry nestbox?

[adamhartree]

Hi Christ, yes I think they are from the same hen but not sure for definite. They are collected daily and are layed in a dry nest box. Ismear they smell off and have a strong taste to them. Thanks

[Nicos]

My first thought is - has she had access to a weed or something which may taint her eggs?

I've just seen this- does any of it apply to you perhaps???

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/public...s-and-flavours

[chris]

Well,I'm sure you have but I'd stop eating them and then try to identify if it's definitely one hen.. then monitor her (diet, etc). She could be eating something to taint her eggs,h or have eaten something - I'm not sure really.. but with the extra info you provided hopefully one of the more experienced chook keeps will be able to answer

I asked about the dry nestbox, as I've had an egg laid in a puddle before, I didn't use it right away and when I cracked it opened it had a funny smell about it. I threw it away as didn't want to chance it.

[RichmondHens]

It is either diet related or the hen is poorly in some way. Fresh laid eggs should not taste "bad". Have you noticed that she has been off colour at all?

[adamhartree]

Nicos, I hadnt thought about that before, come to think of it 1 of the chickens has been getting out the pen lately and eating some of the weeds behind the shed. I wonder if that's what it could be. Thanks alot

[Nicos]

Here's one I found...

Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd's Purse)


Have a look and see what she has access to ...I'm sure there will be plenty of others ( have a goooogle)which will taint egg flavour!

[chris]

Have you sprayed the weeds with anything? Just wondering if you should keep an eye on her if she's been eating weeds that have been treated with a weed killer!

[Nicos]

and to quote someone else...

"Many cultivated and wild herbs and plants have very strong flavors that can be easily detected in eggs"



(...trouble is IDing them eh???

Does she have access to wild garlic, citrus peel of onions???)

[Nicos]

Good poing chris.

[chris]

ping! pong?

[adamhartree]

No I haven't sprayed anything, I won't spray in the garden because of the chickens and cats getting poisoned.thanks for your advice btw