Egg bind and Calcium

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jckrasch

jckrasch

In the Brooder
Jul 12, 2015
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I finally figured out what was wrong with my Delaware. About once a week she has egg binding symptoms, usually manages to lay a soft/shell-less egg. I'm just glad I never had to take drastic steps to get the egg out of her.

From reading lots of articles on-line, seems like calcium is probably the main cause. I feed my chickens Southern State Layer Feed, free access water and oyster shells. The chickens are out in the yard 12-14 hours a day. Is it possible that the Delaware doesn't go for the oyster shells while the others do? How do I feed more calcium? Thanks!!
 
Possible but calcium is not the only thing that matters. Calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D3 need to be in balance. Excess phosphorus can cause the same problem as can a vitamin D deficiency.
Your layer feed should be properly formulated for a hen laying a fair number of eggs. If laying infrequently or not at all, layer feed has too much calcium. Excess calcium can cause shell issues.
Soft shells can also be from mycotoxins, heat stress, old hens or salinity in water.
Shelless eggs can be from a number of respiratory infections, immature shell gland or the aforementioned imbalance of those critical nutrients.
 

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