Flock Health: Soft Eggs and Prolapse. Oh My?!

[eBird]

I am at a loss right now with how to best care for my chickens, which are almost two years old and much loved.

Last week one of my three chickens became very sick as a soft egg shell was stuck inside her. She had been laying soft eggs for two weeks prior. I separated her from the flock, soaked her, hydrated her, put her on antibiotics, and soft foods. Within a day she passed the soft egg shell on her own. However, she continues to lay soft eggs despite increased calcium and decreased treats. She does not have any visible mites, parasites or any other noticeable ailments. Sadly I think she once again has a stuck egg shell inside her Time to start the treatment process again?!

Meanwhile, two days ago, I came home to find a different chicken dead in the laying box. She had laid her egg (and had a bowel movement). Upon further inspection I noticed her vent open and some (minor) prolapsing of her insides.

I am beside myself and so uncertain with how to proceed. Could these two events be related? Could I be doing something that is harmful to my chickens? Should I not let them free range, give them veggie scraps/mealworms, no occasional yogurt (~ twice a month), not pick them up/hold them?

Any insights/encouragements much appreciated!

 

[slordaz]

Hopefully some one with more experience posts to you soon

What kind of calcium are you giving her? sometimes you may be giving them something that isn't readily absorbed , not an expert on that though

Do they have plenty of access to fresh water? they might be getting mildly dehydrated and thus getting plugged up more.
I noticed my old flock did a lot better just free ranged without treats.

might try the fermented feed

and here are some links to other peoples advice on that here

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/930006/her-insides-are-coming-out
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/962619/consistently-getting-soft-shelled-eggs

you can also do a search on the forums while waiting to see what others have recommended for the problems while waiting.

not sure what else but good luck with this and hoping for the best for you and your hens

 

[Suzie]

If you are not giving her a supplement of Vitamin D3..it may be an idea to try her with this..I have some Turken/Naked Neck chickens that were laying soft shelled eggs..despite their having Oyster Shell and Layer Feed...with the Vitamin D3 they have laid normal eggs...bearing in mind that they are huge chickens...it did work for them..maybe consider giving it a try.

Good luck!

 

[eBird]

Thank you! At this point, I feel like I have to try it all and hope for the best. And, Vitamin D does make sense – thank you again for your advice.

How did you determine the dosage/administer the vitamin?

 

[Suzie]

I have Vitamin D3 tablets ( 500mg )...I crush one into a powder and mix a little with their dry feed...