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Help! Eggs getting smaller!

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post #1 of 4

4/23/12 at 1:38pm

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keyt1969

Location: Eaton Rapids, Michigan
Joined: 8/2010
Posts: 2,484
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Hi everyone!

I have many breeds of birds (about 40 in all) and I've noticed in the last couple of weeks their eggs have been getting smaller. Almost all of them are 2 yrs or younger and the eggs were medium in size but now a lot of them could be mistaken for bantam eggs!

They get layer, scratch and grit along with fruits and veggies and plenty of water so I don't think it's that. I read somewhere that I shouldn't be using artificial light now so could that be it? Sunrise is about 6:45 am and sunset about 8:30 pm. Our light comes on at 5:30am and goes off at 6:30 and comes on again at 8 and goes off at 9:30. Should we just not have the light at all or is that not the problem?

Too many chickens and ducks, 3 rabbits, 14 turkeys, 3 dogs and 2 beyond spoiled pot bellied pigs! Oh and 2 kids and one nearly perfect boyfriend!
I can be found on facebook - Keyt Harrington
or my photography page on facebook https://www.facebook.com/NaturalCharmPhoto. Offering specials on portraits and special events as well as photo restorations.

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post #2 of 4

4/23/12 at 1:53pm

Den in Penn

Joined: 12/2011
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Try upping the protein and cutting down on the veggies and scratch. Eggs are mostly protein.

I don't get better with age, only more confused(ing).

post #3 of 4

4/23/12 at 9:38pm

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keyt1969

Location: Eaton Rapids, Michigan
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Ok thank you. We will take out the scratch when it's all gone and I threw them some hot dogs and I'll find some other stuff.

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post #4 of 4

4/24/12 at 4:23am

7L Farm

Location: Anderson, Texas
Joined: 7/2010
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I've never fed mine hot dogs for protein. I know boiled crushed up eggs are a great source for adding protein to your flock. Left over meat is good too. I was told from this site that to much protein can also be a problem. Best advice is give them the eggs as mentioned every couple of days for a short while then feed them laying pellets some greens & cut out the treats. If you do give treats give them alittle boss everday before they roost. A 20% laying pellet should provide them everything they need to lay eggs.

I'm out of eggs. But I know where some brown ones are. I now raise big Ol' Honkin' Bob Whites & Layed back Coturnix. Pray For Rain In Texas!