Egg keeps getting a crust on it

[huntershenswila]

I have one chicken that her eggs have a crust built up on it. It is not all over and it has just developed in the week or so.

 

[Battlepants]

I get these occasionally from my flock, my understanding is that those are calcium buildups.

What are you currently offering for feed? Are you offering oyster shells as well?

 

[huntershenswila]

Scratch, cracked corn, 16% laying pellets. Yes gave oyster shells last week

 

[Battlepants]

I'd probably reduce that to just the laying pellets. The 16% is kinda low, but passable without the other stuff. The scratch and cracked corn ultimately means that their protein intake becomes lower than the 16% advertised on the feed. I like to aim for about 18% where possible, but 16% does work too.

For the oyster shells, that's a boost in calcium - I'd probably withhold this for a week and see if the eggs get better, but reintroduce this if the eggshells start getting weak/cracked.

 

[huntershenswila]

Sorry for not get back back right away, out with the hens. Thanks I'll take that advice, I appreciate the info. Prayerfully I get to help others someday with their questions. I have 20 Buff hens and few throw away hens from around the area. Again been having chickens of one sort or another for a long time, mainly Silkies