Feed For Optimum Health and Fertile Eggs

[MelissaA]

Can I get away with just feeding layer pellets/ crumble? Do I need to add anything? My eggs are all rough or Body-checked (have a hump in the middle) and sometimes have hairline cracks, one hen's eggs are pretty porous when candled. My hens are 3. At what age does a hen egg less optimum for fertility?

 

[the lone rhubarb]

Well I'm no expert, but for thin egg shells I use oyster shell (all smashed up) in their feed. It does really make my shells stronger.
But a warning, don't use too much or it will make them sick.
Maybe someone else will know what to do about all the bumps. Good luck!!

 

[MelissaA]

I wonder how much is too much? I have a free feed bin with oyster shell in it. I am not sure if any eat it or not, so I have been putting it on the rim of the feeder every day, it covers the rim more than half. What are the signs of too much oyster shell? Thanks!

 

[the lone rhubarb]

Well, like I said, I'm no expert. But with my feed I just mix the oyster shell in with their feed in the storage tub, and
add just enough to be noticable. Their shells are pretty healthy, so I'm guessing that they are eating it!!

I read not to
put in too much, but if there's just some in their feed then they have the option to eat feed or oyster shell as needed.
(Note, I would'nt feed oyster shell alone, for fear that they would eat too much thinking that it was a treat, but if it's
in their feed I don't worry)

Oh, and p.s., sometimes I scatter some on the ground for an extra option.

 

[Kiwibird]

Increasing protein and oils in the diet (such as cod liver oil) also help with egg quality and hatchability.

In another poultry forum, here is a very long thread about it: http://forum.backyardpoultry.com/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=7977929&start=0

 

[MelissaA]

ok, thanks!

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Kiwibird, I'm glad this thread got bumped. I wanted to thank you for getting me hooked on a 50 page thread over there!