Does lack of Vitamin D Cause Soft-shelled eggs?

PollyWaddle

Chirping
10 Years
Jul 17, 2009
35
0
80
Eugene, OR
I live in Oregon, and we've had a VERY long spell without sun (changing tomorrow, though). Do chickens take Vit D in from the sun? If they do, and it's not sunny, would that cause reduced calcium uptake (they have many sources of such: pellets, oyster shell, egg shells, greens), which would result in soft shelled eggs? I have a HUGE problem with it right now. Anybody else live around here having soft-shelled egg issues?
 

TipsyDog

Songster
10 Years
May 14, 2009
2,131
14
181
Aregua, Paraguay
Very interesting theory. Yes, chickens produce Vit D through their feathers and dogs through their fur. Did your flock have strong shells before and now soft? I have 1 RIR that always lays soft shell eggs - I guess that's just how she is.
 

PollyWaddle

Chirping
10 Years
Jul 17, 2009
35
0
80
Eugene, OR
Yep, it just really got worse. I've had a few that have always had thinner shells, but always older gals. Now, all of a sudden, the young ones are laying thin/soft shelled, too. And thanks, good to know they take in Vit D through their feathers. I suspected they did it somehow....
 

feathersnuggles

Songster
10 Years
Sep 4, 2009
1,120
23
151
Seattle
Yes. I've had one hen with soft and thin shells on and off, for months and a couple others who slowed way down. I think our extended March-like weather, with the low light conditions, has depleted some of their resources.

You can give a little Cod Liver Oil (CLO) mixed into a treat to give them a dose of vitamin D right now. I've been drizzling a tiny bit of CLO over a treat, once per week, to help my flock of five.
 

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