Eggs keep breaking

[Danyander]

So 2 of my black sex links are laying eggs without a problem. But the barred rock is having issues. The egg breaks as soon as it's pushed out from the drop. Idk what to do. The bottom of the nest box is plywood and we have pine shavings in there. They end up pushing all the shavings out of the way where they lay so they egg drops on straight plywood. Is there something else I could put in the box to help?

 

[junebuggena]

Do you have any oyster shell available for them? Is she a new layer? If so, it could be a few weeks before her systems are all working together to produce good quality eggs with strong shells. If she's not a new layer, and you are sure that she has access to plenty of calcium, then you could try worming her. In the mean time, you could try to make the nest boxes deeper so that you can add more bedding or put down some of the that stuff that's used to keep rugs in place in the bottom of the nest boxes. It's kind of spongy and rubbery and will offer a bit more cushion for the egg better than just straight plywood. It's easy to change out as well.

 

[Danyander]

Yes, she is a new layer and has access to oyster shells. I will try the rug idea. Do you think adding straw to the pine shaving mix would help? The other layers eggs aren't breaking.

 

[Nupe]

.....or put down some of the that stuff that's used to keep rugs in place in the bottom of the nest boxes. It's kind of spongy and rubbery and will offer a bit more cushion for the egg better than just straight plywood. It's easy to change out as well.

Just to add a frugal tip...

That stuff is referred to as rubber perforated shelf liner. They sell it in every size roll in both shelving and the rug section at Walmart. But the cheapest stuff is sold by the foot in the fabric section.

 

[Nupe]

Yes, she is a new layer and has access to oyster shells. I will try the rug idea. Do you think adding straw to the pine shaving mix would help? The other layers eggs aren't breaking.

Possibly. Since she's a new layer, this problem might solve itself.

 

[Danyander]

Oh I know what that stuff is! I have it in my pantry. I think the dollar tree might even have some

 

[Danyander]

I know it will prob solve on her own. But I am losing eggs.