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First egg, soft shell?

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by skatcatla, Dec 14, 2007.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Dec 14, 2007 #1
    skatcatla

    skatcatla Songster

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    Jun 26, 2007
    So, I believe my BR laid her first egg yesterday. The yolk and size were all perfect, but the shell was very soft, almost like skin.

    Is this simply because it was the first one? Or does she need more calcium in her diet?
     
  2. Dec 14, 2007 #2
    Miltonchix

    Miltonchix Taking a Break

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    Jul 14, 2007
    Milton, Florida
    My hens just recently started laying too. I also had this problem.
    I switched them to a 15% layer mix and give them lots of fresh greens. Shells have been perfect since.
     
  3. Dec 14, 2007 #3
    Barnyard Dawg

    Barnyard Dawg Songster

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    Feb 7, 2007
    Northern California
    It is usually a minor problem in the laying process until their reproductive systems mature, I have occasionally had this happen my last layers had none, I agree just feed them greens and oyster shell and it should not be a problem for long.
     
  4. Dec 14, 2007 #4
    skatcatla

    skatcatla Songster

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    Jun 26, 2007
    Thanks to both of you for responding! I do let them roam around the yard for at least an hour a day for grass and so forth, but I only just started them on the lay pellets last week so maybe it take a bit. The first hen to start laying had hard shells right off the bat so I'm hoping its just a fluke for the second hen.
     

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