Egg laying

[TonyaG]

I have ten hens they were laying eggs well until about two weeks ago. I clean my cages weekly and give them fresh water daily. I pull grass for them to eat weekly and give them meal worms as a treat. Lately the three eggs I do get a day are thin shelled and rough on the outside. I know it is hot out, could this be due to the heat?
Please help me I am kinda new to this.

 

[Hungry Chicken]

The thin shells could be due to calcium deficiency. Try feeding them some oyster shell if you aren't already. Or you could crush up old eggshells which also work as calcium supplement - just make sure they're crushed or they might start eating their own eggs!

 

[AGstudy]

It is harder for chickens to use calcium when it is hot out (extra stress). If a calcium supplement doesn't work, try a dicalcium phosphate supplement. Alot of the problems that I have had that look like calcium deficiency ended up being a phosphorus deficiency. (Calcium is not usable without phosphorus.)

 

[aart]

I have ten hens they were laying eggs well until about two weeks ago. I clean my cages weekly and give them fresh water daily. I pull grass for them to eat weekly and give them meal worms as a treat. Lately the three eggs I do get a day are thin shelled and rough on the outside. I know it is hot out, could this be due to the heat?
Please help me I am kinda new to this.

Before starting with any 'supplements',
lets find out about the basics:
How old, in months, are these birds?

What are the "cages", size in feet by feet, and how many birds per cage? Dimensions and pics would help immensely here.

What is their main feed, with brand/model, protein and calcium percentages?

Yes, the heat could be a factor...they may be eating less.
Just how hot is it?
I'll assume they have plenty of fresh water and some shade.

Oh, and... Welcome to BYC! @TonyaG
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!