eggs not forming

[Teila]

Just sharing something .. if anyone uses ACV in their water, this is contraindicated in hot weather as it can cause the calcium to be less digestible. Calcium is a positive ion and dissociates better in a more alkaline environment.

 

[junebuggena]

That is true but my chooks have so much vit d, the sun is shining day in day out, she simply cannot make a proper egg. I don't think my guys are undernourished they are wormed and 'fat or round' I should say. I put calcium in the water they have paw paw, fresh worms, mixed feed,almonds,corn,sesame seeds, peppers,okra fresh meilies, parsley rocket and access to my whole garden. I have given up I just think she has a problem and the vet agrees he is stumped as well. - I think DD is right she just cannot absorb calcium. Thank you for your guided input though.

Calcium absorption also requires the proper balance of phosphorous. Could be that with all those extra goodies you like to give are causing nutritional imbalances. Feed is formulated to be the primary source of nutrition, with extras not making up more than 10% of the total daily diet.

 

[whoop whoop]

Calcium absorption also requires the proper balance of phosphorous. Could be that with all those extra goodies you like to give are causing nutritional imbalances. Feed is formulated to be the primary source of nutrition, with extras not making up more than 10% of the total daily diet.

Oh, good point so what can I give that has phosphorous - they have growing pellets and mash all the time - just breakfast they get an assortment of goodies,they love waking up to tasties - will have to invesitgate more. Thanks

 

[junebuggena]

Oh, good point so what can I give that has phosphorous - they have growing pellets and mash all the time - just breakfast they get an assortment of goodies,they love waking up to tasties - will have to invesitgate more. Thanks

Feed should already contain the proper balance of nutrients. Stop giving them so many treats especially in the morning. That's the time of day that you want them filling up their crops with feed. It's like giving little kids dessert before they've had their dinner. Of course they are happy about it, but it isn't good for them.

 

[whoop whoop]

Feed should already contain the proper balance of nutrients. Stop giving them so many treats especially in the morning. That's the time of day that you want them filling up their crops with feed. It's like giving little kids dessert before they've had their dinner. Of course they are happy about it, but it isn't good for them.

Ok but surely, what I give them is stuff they eat anyway - they have a constant supply of feed - what we have here is called growing mash/pellets,basically corn with all with all the important stuff compounded to make a pellet/mash for the chicks. I let them out in the morning with fresh paw paw, and everything else plus they have the feed in the coop at night and during the day. Am I doing this all wrong? I didn't think natural stuff was treats - what exactly is a treat for a chicken?

 

[junebuggena]

Treats are anything that is not a nutritionally complete and balanced feed. That means fruits and veggies go into the category of treat.

 

[whoop whoop]

Oh Ok I see - stupid, I thought that was good for them - new regime tomorrow just feed - thanks

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Oh Ok I see - stupid, I thought that was good for them - new regime tomorrow just feed - thanks

First of all, not stupid at all and they are, in fact, an important part of a balance diet -- the key word there being balanced. "treats" should make up no more than 10% of their overall diet in order not to adversely effect the nutrition of their base diet when using a commercial feed product. You are entirely correct that as omnivorous, opportunistic feeders the things you are giving are things these birds would normally eat if they encountered them in their environment. Just as with we humans, it's all about having the "treats" (even those in the healthy food categories) being taken in moderation...and with the overall diet in mind so that you are complimenting, not detracting from, the overall nourishment. Some treats that are commonly given, ie veggie scraps and scratch grain, tend to be very low in protein -- so if the birds are on a commercial feed that is already at the low end of the protein spectrum it takes far less veggie matter to bring the overall protein intake to a below minimum level which leads to issues with overall health and production. On the opposite side are animal protein based treats (meat scraps) -- these are very high in protein so a flock on an already high-end of the protein spectrum diet will be at risk of getting more protein than is healthy while imbalancing other nutrients. It's not anything that requires too much worry - just think of it as maintaining a good, balanced diet just as you do for yourself - if they've had a lot of veggie matter recently offer a different type of treat and vice versa.
It's really not a big deal and there is no one right way of doing it -- it's a matter of finding what works for you and your birds.

 

[whoop whoop]

@Ol Grey Mare Oh thank you - well this morning I just gave the normal feed and some fresh paw paw they do love it. But will be careful infuture. What I can't understand is all the other eggs have such hard shells, it is very odd. Your advice is very much appreciated thank you.

 

[CuzChickens]

Hey there, and welcome to Backyard Chickens!!! I am so glad you decided to join our big, happy family! Please make yourself at home and enjoy yourself here!

~Cuz