Egg breaks while laying...

[OkieB]

I have a 1 year old Cinnamon Queen. She has always been an exceptional layer. But the past month, she has been laying eggs that are misshapen and weak on one side. A lot of times I find her egg broken in the nesting box. I might add that she has been having this problem since her molt. She has oyster shells available at all times. And I also feed Layena Crumbles. Any suggestions?

 

[sawilliams]

I've read from others that giving tums will increase calcium fast. Never done it myself I think it was just crushed over food

 

[chickens really]

How long ago was here molt?..Might need a higher protein feed. Cut out and treats to once a week. Limit free range time back a few hours daily.
Best wishes.

 

[OkieB]

I've read from others that giving tums will increase calcium fast. Never done it myself I think it was just crushed over food

Now that you mention it, I think I have read that somewhere too.

 

[OkieB]

How long ago was here molt?..Might need a higher protein feed. Cut out and treats to once a week. Limit free range time back a few hours daily.
Best wishes.

I believe it ended the 1st of January.

 

[chickens really]

I believe it ended the 1st of January.

Takes 6 to 8 weeks after molt to get laying properly as long as feed and management are strict..

 

[OkieB]

Can you tell me what you feed on a daily basis? So I can compare and make adjustments if needed.

 

[aart]

Can you tell me what you feed on a daily basis? So I can compare and make adjustments if needed.

What and how exactly are you feeding?

 

[OkieB]

They always have access to Purina Layena or Flock Raiser crumbles, Oyster Shells, a Purina pellet (which they do not prefer) and Grit.

Each day they get 3-4 handfuls of Hen Scratch or Milo thrown on the ground. (I have 32 hens).

Every 2-3 days that get some meal worms.

And maybe once a week they are treated to oatmeal, fruit or veggies.

Also, they free range at least 4 hours per day.

 

[aart]

Purina Layena or Flock Raiser crumbles

There's big difference in these 2 feeds.
Learn to read the labels sewn into the bottom of bag for protein levels.
Do you switch back and forth, or mix them, or offer both???

But the past month, she has been laying eggs that are misshapen and weak on one side.

I have a bird that lays these, not sure why....whether she's not eating the OS(I too feed FRC), not processing the calcium, or she just has a glitchy shell gland. Been trying to supplement her calcium, hasn't helped yet....thinking she's just a 'lemon'. When only one bird out of the flock is laying 'bad' eggs, I conclude that it's the bird - not the diet. Any bird can have this issue, but high production hybrids are more prone to reproductive system issues.