Got a squat! And a soft shell?

[bwebster]

I have 5 BRs that are about 17 weeks, or somewhere around that. I was doing work inside the coop today and one of them squatted for me. Pretty cool. First time. Looking forward to the first egg, finally. Free loaders I'll tell ya.

Anyway, when I was in there I found a dried up shell of a brown egg. No yolk, no stink. I assume they ate what was inside. Is it normal for their first egg(s) to be poor quality? Should I start some oyster shell now? They are on 16% grower/finisher feed right now.

Thanks!

 

[GC-Raptor]

I start offering Oyster Shells at 15 weeks now.
I used to offer it at 16 weeks, but someone posted earlier this week that their ISA Browns started to lay at 15 weeks. My ISAs are 11.5 weeks.

I have 5 BRs that are about 17 weeks, or somewhere around that.

My Barred Rocks didn't start laying till 20 weeks old, but that was the beginning of January.

Should I start some oyster shell now?

Yes, offer free choice in a separate container. . GC