calcium deficiency in hens

[BDutch]

I agree with most of that but free ranging won't provide sufficient calcium to prolific layers unless there is a lot of limestone in the area. Otherwise, there isn't anything in normal forage that is high in calcium carbonate.

Yes you are right. Do provide in calcium some way. Give oyster shells, give the egg shells (crumbled) back in a separate bowl, or if all the eggs have weak shells, give crumbled calcium tablets in there feed for a boost. But if the flock lays eggs with strong shells there is no reason to worry about calcium. One hen is not the flock.

 

[Nikiliz]

Very small flock. Only 2 girls atm

 

[SweetKeeks5]

have a young isa brown who started laying around 6 moths ago
rarely do i see any eggs from her
when i have they are very pale compared to other hens eggs. Rough textured also
Is there a calcium supplement or something i can do for this

When I was planning on adding calcium to my chickens eggs, and I found this. Spread the eggshells on a baking tray and put them in the oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until they get crumbly. Next, let the shells cool completely and put them in a resealable plastic bag. Then, hit the eggshells with a rolling pin to break them into a fine powder. Put in their food. Discontinue if they start eating their own eggs ( if it’s fine enough of a powder this shouldn’t happen)

 

[BDutch]

When I was planning on adding calcium to my chickens eggs, and I found this. Spread the eggshells on a baking tray and put them in the oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until they get crumbly. Next, let the shells cool completely and put them in a resealable plastic bag. Then, hit the eggshells with a rolling pin to break them into a fine powder. Put in their food. Discontinue if they start eating their own eggs ( if it’s fine enough of a powder this shouldn’t happen)

Rather complicated and cost more energy than needed imo. I use another method:

• After breaking the egg, I take a household-scissor and cut the shell in small pieces. I scatter the pieces of shell the same day in the run of in my garden.
• If I don't want to go outside I put the egg shells 30 seconds in the microwave. Then cut /crumble them into small pieces. This way I think its safe to keep them on the counter till the next day,

 

[Avian Allie]

We buy a 50lb bag of crushed oyster shells and just cut open the bag. They don’t spoil and it lasts my flock of 20-30 about a year. Sometimes they get crushed egg shells

 

[Kellow1]

Actually, the pimples on the shell are too much calcium. Have you determined that the layer feed you are using is a well-balanced formula? Also, oyster shells and crushed eggshells are two different sources of calcium. The eggshells are fast-acting and oyster shells are slow-acting forms of calcium. It is okay to feed both, just make sure they are served "on the side" and available 24/7. Chickens will eat what their body tells them they need, and roosters don't need any! Good luck.