Cracks at tapered end of egg?

[kimslack]

I have recently begun allowing my layers out during the day to free range. During the winter I gave them oytser shell and granite crumble in a separate feeder. They stayed pretty much inside all the time. the eggs were always very good and hard. Now I'm getting cracks and weak egg shell at the very tip of the egg. I started to add the oyster shell now to their grain. Will this correct the problem? I always thought free ranging made for better eggs?

Kim

 

[rancher hicks]

Because it is so powdery I alway's throw a handful in layer feeder. I also mix it with the more coarse grit. I also use both the large and small grit together that way they can choose the size that suits them most. It may also be good to keep a dish outside when they range. I also keep a can next to the stove to throw egg shells into and grind them up and throw them in the can I keep grit in and mix it up. While none of this can hurt I figure it can only help right?

I can't say but you may need to put more hay or bedding in your nest box.

 

[kimslack]

I'll try promoting the oyster shell and grit at places where they hang out and maybe mix it with their feed. It could be too that they are not getting something they need in the soil right now cuz its still early spring and lately they've been on the move all day ....much more than during the winter when they were confined to the coop. I'm gonna put feed out for them too during the day so they have more access to the feed and its protein.

I just made new nests for them this past week so i'll increase the amt of bedding material. (They get in and rob straw and shavings from other nests for their own and in so doing, deplete all the nest material. )

Silly little birds. Kim