Help Hen, laying with out shell dosen't feel good

[wilsons1996]

Help
I'm just getting started with my chickens. They have just started laying. I have a buff orphington that has been laying daily. This last week she has started laying with out the shells and now is acting very lethargic. She seems to have no energy and weak. What is happening?? How can I help her?? Can she make the other hens sick?? I only have 4???

 

[Judy]

You need to repost in the emergencies section, and answer the questions at the beginning of the section, as more information is needed.

 

[Denninmi]

The two might not be related, but one thing that jumps to mind is perhaps hypocalcemia -- lack of calcium in the blood/body/tissue. That certainly might explain the shell problems on the eggs. Could be something totally different, too.

Does the bird have adequate dietary calcium. Do you use something like oystershell or eggshells to supplement?

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/205806.htm

 

[oldtimeway]

Yes, lack of calcium will make them act sickly it's just like milk fever in a cow and can be fatal. Are you giving your chickens oyster shell?

The other thing that may have happened is since she's been laying soft shelled eggs, she maybe had one break inside her and that's what the problem is. You can insert your fingers in the egg vent and check and see if this has happened.