Concerning eggs from a sapphire gem

[Lemon-Drop]

Some birds do fine on it, some don't. I give my birds treats occasionally, 1-2 times a week tops. Sometimes none.
Corn is very high in fat, so I would definitely cut that out. It's not beneficial to the diet, and only dilutes the nutrients in a complete feed.
You could try other treats such as grass, weeds, fruits or veggies. Those are very low in fat and have nutritional value. Just make sure to keep them in the treat category, thats about 1 tbsp per hen per day.

Have to say, how do you keep grass to 1tbsp a day? My hens go crazy when they’re free ranging, and definitely eat more than that.

 

[ejohnston7]

Thank you, everyone. I live in MN so I used the crack corn when it was -20 degrees out to help them stay warm. I added it to scratch grains mixed with grubs. They also love blueberries and strawberry tops. I will certainly limit scratch to a little bit every other week.

I know the coop is small, but when perched they have ample space and a nesting box each. And I never shut them in. They free range from sun up to sun down.

It’s only the one hen that’s laying these odd eggs, the other two lay perfect ones. So it makes me think it’s more of an individual hen issue?

 

[Weeg]

Have to say, how do you keep grass to 1tbsp a day? My hens go crazy when they’re free ranging, and definitely eat more than that.

When free ranging I obviously don't worry about it. I think that whatever they find free ranging is actually beneficial for antioxidant purposes.
I just put that them for fruits or similar.

 

[Weeg]

Thank you, everyone. I live in MN so I used the crack corn when it was -20 degrees out to help them stay warm. I added it to scratch grains mixed with grubs. They also love blueberries and strawberry tops. I will certainly limit scratch to a little bit every other week.

Good idea! I did the same, though cut it back out when temps started to rise.
I would say you can keep feeding the strawberry tops and berries, just cut out the scratch and corn.

 

[Weeg]

It’s only the one hen that’s laying these odd eggs, the other two lay perfect ones. So it makes me think it’s more of an individual hen issue?

I don't have much experience with issues like this, but it seems like the author would have put in the article if it was being caused by something else.
Maybe add body checked eggs to your title, and it might grab more experienced members attention.
If you think the coop has enough space, thats fine, just also beware that those coops are not predator proof. A determined predator would get them easily. Yet another risk with prefabs.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Coop is probably large enough for 3 birds that sleep in it and use it for laying.
The egg looks like a Mended Egg to me.
Do watch to see if they are squabbling over nesting areas during the day. Perhaps something is prowling around at night or during the day that is causing some stress for her.

For this hen, I would check her out. See that her crop is emptying, look for lice/mites, get a fecal float just to see if worms may be an issue. Observe to see if she's the lower ranking bird and is getting picked at or being kept from nesting boxes.

 

[Csweaver]

I’ve had 2 sapphire gems and both had reproductive issues. Sadly, I think it’s a part of their breeding. I hope her issues resolve.