Brittle Egg Shells

[plangley]

Last week, one of our girls laid 2 eggs with extremely brittle shells. Of course, they were eaten. Not sure if they were under developed or broke in the laying process. I gave them yogurt with crushed egg shells. (This was the first time I gave them egg shells.) This morning, there were 2 eggs in that same condition. There were 2 others that were not - they were fine. I am guessing that lack of calcium is the problem. I have to get this fixed!

I am going to get some oyster shell this afternoon and start that. My question is, how long after I start that, should I expect to see an improvement? Is there anything else that anyone can suggest?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

What is their base diet - ie are they on a layer feed? You say this is the first time you offered egg shell, is that to say that you have not provided any supplemental calcium from any source before now? How old are the birds and how long have they been laying?

 

[plangley]

I give them layer feed. They have been laying for about 3 weeks and that is about how long they have had the layer feed. I haven't given them anything supplemental - other than yogurt and the weed/insect they get when they free range.

 

[Y N dottes]

i should think u will see improvement within 2-4 days. that's how long it took my young layers to start laying eggs with stronger shells.

 

[plangley]

I got some oyster shell yesterday and put it out for free choice. This morning it was all gone and these are the eggs that I found... A beautiful, perfectly shaped egg and beside it a rubbery shell egg. I'll put out more oyster shell this afternoon. If anyone has any other ideas, I would appreciate the advice.

 

[sumi]

Egg problems are more common with new layers, but after 3 weeks they should start getting it right. If the calcium supplements doesn't help here are some more causes that may help you troubleshoot and fix the problem: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/common-egg-quality-problems