Egg size

[clemston]

My hens have been laying for almost 2 months. While their eggs started out small, they quickly got to a nice size and just this week it seems a couple of them are laying small eggs again. Is this normal??

 

[Attack Chicken]

You could be getting what some people call "fart eggs" maybe add some oystershell (calcium) to their feed or in a seperate bowl. They may still be getting to hang of laying to

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[Mac in Wisco]

Quote:
They usually don't get smaller. Probably a small drop in protein intake. Are they getting enough clean water? Have you changed feed lately? Are they fed free choice? Are they spending more time out foraging vs eating a layer ration?

Any number of things could cause it, but I wouldn't worry too much. Make sure they are not off their feed for some reason and just keep an eye on how they're doing.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Quote:
Oyster shell won't make the eggs larger. That seems to be everybody's cure-all for any egg anomalies reported here, but generally if they are eating a layer ration and free ranging a little, they are getting the minerals that they need.

 

[clemston]

Yes, they're fed free choice and have been getting plenty of food and water. Our temps have been getting high the last few days - maybe they're adjusting and not eating as much?? I'll keep an eye on them- thanks for the advice!!

 

[Fred's Hens]

Quote:
Oyster shell won't make the eggs larger. That seems to be everybody's cure-all for any egg anomalies reported here, but generally if they are eating a layer ration and free ranging a little, they are getting the minerals that they need.

+1

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Quote:
I didn't note where you are from originally, but just looked up your weather. Temps in the high 80's and above will cause them to reduce their feed intake, which is probably why you are seeing egg sizes shrink a little. If you cut out any scratch and feed a higher protein feed, then you can ensure they are getting enough protein to produce those larger eggs. That's not to say they actually need more protein to be healthy, but rather to keep production up.