Fragile Egg

[chickengramps26]

I have 3 R I Reds & i P B Rock, they will be 2 years old in June. Great egg production last year from all 4. this year the Barred in laying deformed and thin shelled eggs. Some are not hard shells but more like a thick membrane and are easily broken in the nest. Their diet has not changed, layena, oyster shell, and grit. They also free range the backyard daily for a few hours. What could be causing these bad eggs?

 

[nestleaver1]

Hiya,
I have had same problem with just one chicken for the last 6 months and have tried endless dietary ideas (ground cuttlefish bone was my latest...) Trawling thru old posts I found this:

"Originally Posted by Betsy57
I've had soft/thin shell problems too sometimes and eggs broken in the nests. I feed "premium" quality layer food and they always have oyster shells available but it seems like they don't eat it much. I also give them yogurt and cottage cheese and still problems. I finally found something that works and all the chicken's eggs are really good now. Found it at Meyer Hatchery....BVS Vitamin D3. It is a highly concentrated liquid and I just put literally just a few eye dropper drops in a gallon of water. They drink their water so they're finally getting the calcium they need."

Mine do get cod liver oil but might try extra D3 if I can find some.

Good luck and let me know if you find anything that helps!
Cheers, Kate

 

[diamond8s]

Wow I'm learning here. When my lay thin shells I just give them the oyster shells and they harden right up. Interesting info.