Eggs with no shell

[Barchicken]

We have started getting eggs with no shell and just the membrane which collapses immediately after being laid. We are giving them good layer food and this is a sudden happening. We did recently have a problem with several doves getting in and eating much of the food. We are working on keeping the doves out but they are relentless Houdinis. Is there any way the chickens are not eating the food we are giving them? I know they are eating the scratch we toss out but that may not be good enough for the eggs. Am I correct in my thinking? If stress (it is also very hot here this time of year) can slow egg laying, can it also cause soft shells on what IS being laid?

 

[Bailey1204]

You may be right, however that seems unlikely simply because the phrase you eat like a bird is not true. Ducks and chickens eat tons! Anyway I think it may be a calcium deficiency. Soft shelled eggs often happen because there isn't enough calcium in a hens' diet. Shells are made of almost pure calcium. You may want to try, if you aren't already, giving your chickens chopped egg shells (any kind) or oyster shells from you local feed store.