Egg-Issues?

[FamilyOfChickens]

The past couple of days we've only been getting 4 eggs a day from our gold sex links, when normally we get 5. We poked around in the straw a bit, and found a weird egg shell. It had no yolk (I'm sure they ate it), and the shell was very soft and kind of deformed. I'd get a picture up, but we had left it outside and it's no longer there. Everybody seems healthy, except for some kind of 'saggy' bottoms? (edit: When we spread the feathers apart near the rear-end, the feathers appear kind of matted- not sure with what, though...)My brother says I'm hallucinating, but I'm worried. What's the problem? We really like these girls, and I've got a bad feeling something's wrong. Just thought I'd check with you brainy people.

 

[justusnak]

Do they have oyster shell to peck in? It could be the heat as well. I have been getting a soft shell almost every day. My ladies are just over a year old...and I just saw today which one was laying the softie. Its my white legghorn(sp) Pancake. She looks fine....clean vent...red comb and waddles...she eats and drinks fine, and I see her in the oyster shell often. Im thinking its the heat.

 

[FamilyOfChickens]

They do have oyster shell mixed in with the feed. Should I offer some as free choice? They do free-range all day.

It has been WAY hotter than normal the last few days, but it stormed last night, and it's supposed to cool off a bit.

Out of curiousity, how can you find out which hen lays which egg? I've always wondered.

 

[SpottedCrow]

The only way to find out conclusively is to use trap nests, but for most of us, we just keep looking and checking bums..
soft eggs aren't always a bad thing. My Leghorn Obelisk can lay a soft egg at the end of one of her laying cycles. She's four years old. When she lays a soft one, I add Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother to the water and bring out the oyster shell.

 

[justusnak]

I would put a small bowl out for them for free choice. Mine sets right next to the feeder. I was lucky to be in the hen house when mine layed. Other than confineing each hen, untill it lays, im not sure how you would know. I have WAY too many hens to even think of doing that....(11 laying hens 21 ALMOST laying) LOL

 

[FamilyOfChickens]

Quote:
Okay.

Mine seem to lay very early in the morning, so I guess I'll never know.

Quote:
All right, we just got another bag of oyster shells, so I'll put a bowl out for them tonight or tomorrow. Me too! Only 5 laying, but they all look similar, and I'm anxious for the Americaunas to start.

Thanks guys!!