Concern

[Betsyg16]

I have 9 hens, 3 of them started laying one month ago. New Hampshire, barred Rock and sex link. One of those 3 is periodically dropping a soft egg outside the coop, usually. I cannot tell which one. I would say about 4 times in this month since they started. I’m putting oyster shell in the feed when I remember. But not all the time. Should this be a concern, any ideas or other things I might do. This really worries me

 

[NatJ]

Should this be a concern, any ideas or other things I might do. This really worries me

Weird eggs are fairly common in new layers. Other than making sure enough calcium is available (see below), I would not worry about it.

I’m putting oyster shell in the feed when I remember. But not all the time.

I recommend putting out a separate dish of oyster shell, and making sure it never runs empty. Most chickens will eat it if they need calcium, and ignore it when they do not need extra calcium. Too little calcium is bad, but too much is also bad--and the right amount might vary from one chicken to another. Letting them decide for themselves usually works pretty well.

 

[Betsyg16]

Ok great. Gosh I check them each day, clean the coop everyday, checking who is laying and which belongs to which hen. It’s worse that kids. But I had 3 die from coccidiosis, and it was difficult to start again. But I love them, it’s so rewarding, during these times