Chickens may lay small eggs due to age, stress, poor nutrition, or health issues; ensuring a balanced diet and proper care can help improve egg size.
Finding tiny eggs in your nesting boxes can be puzzling. While small eggs are often harmless, they may indicate underlying issues with your flock’s health or environment. Let’s explore the most common causes and solutions for small chicken eggs.
What Counts as a Small Egg?
Egg sizes vary by breed and age, but generally:
| Egg Size | Weight (per egg) | Carton Weight (12 eggs) |
|---|---|---|
| Peewee | 1.25 oz (35g) | 15 oz (425g) |
| Small | 1.5 oz (42g) | 18 oz (510g) |
| Standard | 1.75-2 oz (50-60g) | 21-24 oz (595-680g) |
Fairy eggs (or fart eggs) are even smaller – sometimes as tiny as 0.1 oz (3g). These often lack yolks and occur when a hen’s reproductive system misfires.
7 Reasons for Small Eggs
1. Young Hens (Pullet Eggs)
Pullets (hens under 1 year) often lay small “practice eggs” when they first start laying. Their reproductive systems are still developing. Most breeds begin laying between 18-24 weeks.
What to expect:
- First eggs may be 50% smaller than normal
- Size increases gradually over 4-6 weeks
- Eggs stabilize at normal size by 30 weeks
2. Breed Characteristics
Some breeds naturally lay smaller eggs:
- Bantams: 1-1.25 oz eggs
- Polish: 1.5 oz eggs
- Serama: 0.5-1 oz eggs
Larger breeds like Rhode Island Reds typically lay 2+ oz eggs.
3. Stress Factors
Stress shrinks eggs temporarily. Common stressors include:
- Predator threats (raccoons, hawks)
- Extreme heat or cold
- Coop changes or moves
- Overcrowding (less than 4 sq ft per bird)
- Loud noises or disturbances
Stress reduces egg production by 10-40% and shrinks egg size by 15-20% according to University of Kentucky poultry studies.
4. Nutritional Deficiencies
Key nutrients for proper egg development:
- Protein (16-18% layer feed)
- Calcium (3.5-4.5% in feed)
- Vitamin D3 (helps calcium absorption)
- Omega-3s (for yolk development)
According to Poultry Extension, calcium-deficient hens may lay eggs with thinner shells or smaller yolks.
5. Molting or Broodiness
During these natural cycles:
- Egg production slows or stops
- Returning eggs may be smaller
- Lasts 2-3 months for molting
- Broodiness lasts 3 weeks typically
6. Aging Hens
After 2-3 years of laying:
- Egg size decreases 5-10% annually
- Production drops 20% each year
- Shell quality often declines too
7. Health Issues
Diseases that affect egg size:
- Infectious bronchitis
- Egg drop syndrome
- Internal parasites
- Reproductive tract infections
When to Worry About Small Eggs
Consult a vet if you notice:
- Sudden size changes in mature hens
- Multiple hens affected simultaneously
- Eggs with blood spots or abnormalities
- Accompanied by lethargy or weight loss
How to Encourage Normal Egg Size
Diet Adjustments
- Switch to 18% protein layer feed
- Offer oyster shell free-choice
- Provide clean water at all times
- Supplement with mealworms or fish meal
Stress Reduction
- Maintain consistent routines
- Ensure 10 hours of darkness for sleep
- Provide 4 sq ft of coop space per bird
- Use pecking deterrents if needed
Environmental Controls
- Keep coop 40-80°F (4-27°C)
- Maintain 40-60% humidity
- Ensure proper ventilation
- Clean nesting boxes weekly
Most small egg issues resolve within 2-4 weeks with proper care. Track egg sizes weekly to monitor progress. Remember that occasional small eggs are normal – even commercial operations see 5-10% size variation.