First eggs

[Jkent]

My first eggs this morning. My chickens are 18 weeks. Is this normal? What can I do to help improve them??

 

[Pork Pie]

It's not uncommon for birds new to laying to lay some pretty funky looking eggs. Absolutely nothing to worry about, providing they are eating layers feed or have access to oyster shell.

 

[Jkent]

It's not uncommon for birds new to laying to lay some pretty funky looking eggs. Absolutely nothing to worry about, providing they are eating layers feed or have access to oyster shell.

I will go get laying feed and oyster shells. Is grit still ok to give them?

 

[Pork Pie]

I will go get laying feed and oyster shells. Is grit still ok to give them?

Sure. Grit is fine, but now they need additional calcium to develop strong egg shells. Even when new to laying birds have additional calcium, funky eggs are to be expected as it can take a while until they get egg-laying plumbing sorted out.

If you only have pullets, then just layers feed is fine. Many people stick with general flock / growers feed and provide optional oyster shell - slightly higher in protein, whilst the oyster shell, in a separate feeder provides the calcium required. This approach also accommodates a flock of different ages (ideal if you have younger birds that are not yet of laying age).

 

[barred2rock]

Sure. Grit is fine, but now they need additional calcium to develop strong egg shells. Even when new to laying birds have additional calcium, funky eggs are to be expected as it can take a while until they get egg-laying plumbing sorted out.

If you only have pullets, then just layers feed is fine. Many people stick with general flock / growers feed and provide optional oyster shell - slightly higher in protein, whilst the oyster shell, in a separate feeder provides the calcium required. This approach also accommodates a flock of different ages (ideal if you have younger birds that are not yet of laying age).

Just to clarify, oyster or egg shells aren't an option if they're fed flock raiser. They must have the boost of calcium to lay healthy eggs.

 

[Pork Pie]

If fed flock raiser then optional oyster shell (i.e. in a separate feeder) is necessary. Sorry if my rambling caused confusion