As Australians, we're known for our love of the great outdoors, our backyard barbecues, and for many, the joy of keeping a few chooks to provide fresh eggs for breakfast. But one woman's recent discovery in her backyard chicken coop has given a whole new meaning to the term 'fresh produce' and might just have you rethinking your next homegrown omelette.

While the national egg shortage has inspired many Aussies to start their own backyard poultry pens, this woman's experience serves as a cautionary tale. Imagine her shock when, instead of the usual smooth, oval eggs, she found something resembling a 'meat consistency' in the laying box. To add to the horror, it appeared to have been pecked at by the other chickens.


The photo of the bizarre find was shared on social media, where it sparked a flurry of speculation and concern among fellow poultry keepers. Theories ranged from bacterial infections like staph, salmonella, and E. coli to other ominous suggestions. 'Wash up and scrub out the whole coop,' one person advised, fearing for the health of both the chickens and their owner. The sight was described by several as a 'horror,' something they had never encountered before.

But what exactly was this egg-shaped nightmare? Professor Bob Doneley from the University of Queensland’s School of Veterinary Science provided some clarity. The object, known as a 'lash egg,' was the result of an infection or inflammation in the chicken's uterus. Thankfully, he assured that it was not contagious to other birds or humans. However, the affected hen would require veterinary attention.


'It’s basically a very hard-boiled soft egg or a big lump of pus,' Professor Doneley explained. These lash eggs occur when the yolk, which is carried by the chicken's oviduct and normally coated with egg white and shell membrane, fails to develop a shell before it sits in the uterus. The result can be a hard mass or a collection of pus caused by infection or inflammation in the oviduct.

The inflammation, often a result of bacterial infection, can lead to caseous pus, which is Latin for 'cheese-like,' and may cause reproductive issues. Professor Doneley pointed out that modern chickens have been bred to mature quickly and lay eggs prolifically, a demand that nature never intended for these birds.

So, what should you do if you find a lash egg in your coop? Dr Jose A. Quintero from Sydney University’s School of Veterinary Science advised taking precautions such as using gloves to handle the lash egg, disposing of it in a plastic bag, and thoroughly washing your hands afterwards. He also recommended disinfecting the coop, replacing the bedding material, and seeking veterinary treatment for the hen.


In the comment section of the woman's post, many people recognised the discovery as a lash egg and offered advice. Some comments reflected the shock and horror of the discovery, with one person writing, 'New fear unlocked,' and another dubbing it a 'ball of nope.'

This incident comes at a time when the Australian poultry industry is already under stress. An avian flu outbreak led to the culling of over one million birds to prevent the spread of infection. Supermarket giants like Woolworths and Coles had to impose purchase limits on eggs, and customers in some states were restricted to buying just two packs, leaving shelves empty for days.

Australia's chickens produce an astounding 18.3 million eggs daily, with the average commercial hen laying between 260 and 300 eggs a year. But as this story shows, not every egg makes it to the breakfast table.


Have you ever encountered anything unusual in your backyard coop? Or perhaps you have some tips for fellow backyard poultry enthusiasts to ensure the health and safety of their feathered friends? Share your stories and advice in the comments below – we'd love to hear from you!
And remember, if you come across something out of the ordinary, it's always best to seek expert advice. Your backyard adventures should be filled with pleasant surprises, not poultry nightmares.