Duck has really thick membrane

[CrystaBub]

I haven’t found that my Pekin’s egg membranes are any different than other breeds. They all seem thicker than chicken eggs for sure.

 

[Shellchick]

@Shellchick how many ducks do you have and is only one having the thick membrane?

Only have 2 ducks one boy one girl. Plenty of chickens and they don't have that problem.

 

[Shellchick]

So you feed a layer feed to Birds you want to hatch eggs from...That's the issue plus the addition of oyster shell..

K so I need to change their food for hatching purposes?

 

[chickens really]

K so I need to change their food for hatching purposes?

Yes I feed 16% Grower Finisher feed that's for Chickens, Ducks, Geese and Turkeys and supply Oyster shell in a separate dish once a week..

 

[Miss Lydia]

K so I need to change their food for hatching purposes?

So it isn't your feed or oyster shell it is just your Pekin it's with her and most likely nothing you can do. It's the way her body puts together the egg. Keep the oyster shell separate from the feed honest they will only use it when needed. I have been doing it that way for years as most everyone else too on here.

 

[casportpony]

I could be wrong, but I don't think that calcium has anything to do with the membrane thickness.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eggshell_membrane
https://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/eggs/eggcomposition.html

 

[Shellchick]

K so I need to change their food for hatching purposes?

Or just take out the oyster shell?

 

[chickens really]

Try what you think will work. I know what works for me..

 

[casportpony]

Or just take out the oyster shell?

If I were you I would stop adding oyster shell to the feed, just provide it in a separate bowl.

 

[quackiemama]

I agree, mine have had layer feed and oyster shell on the side and I have not had that issue with my duck eggs. I would not add it to the feed though, let them decide if they need it. That has worked for my little ladies.