Hello, I’m new to the forum

[triciayoung]

Thank you. Greta was laying shell-less eggs for a couple of weeks when I also noticed what seemed like a swollen abdomen. Avian vet thought she probably had an infection in her reproductive tract (and thought the extra fullness was fat) so we started antibiotics and anti-inflammatories which seemed to help after a week. But then her eggs went back to no shell and she died a week later. That was bad enough but now I’m finding other shell-less eggs and I’m worried another hen might have what Greta died from.

I am so sorry. From everything I understand, reproductive issues are not contagious.

 

[WingsysRoost]

Thank you. Greta was laying shell-less eggs for a couple of weeks when I also noticed what seemed like a swollen abdomen. Avian vet thought she probably had an infection in her reproductive tract (and thought the extra fullness was fat) so we started antibiotics and anti-inflammatories which seemed to help after a week. But then her eggs went back to no shell and she died a week later. That was bad enough but now I’m finding other shell-less eggs and I’m worried another hen might have what Greta died from.

Reproductive issues are not contagious, though certain breeds are more prone due to various factors. Higher egg production is one, as is genetics. Certain other illnesses, such as cancer, can also cause soft eggs. This would not be contagious either.

There are many other causes of soft shelled eggs that are solvable or at least not as serious. I've had hens lay soft eggs when they are going in or out of molt. Protein or calcium deficiency can also be a cause. Whatever the case might be, I hope you are able to figure out a cause and hopefully help your birds!