Help...what do I do?

[horseluv29]

One of my EEs started laying yesterday. The egg yesterday and today shells were completely soft. My other seven hens that are laying are having no problems. All of their first eggs shells were thin but not soft. Should I be concerned?

 

[Mutt Farm]

Sometimes it takes a week or two to get a rhythm, get all the parts working together. They have oyster shell available and are on quality feed? If you had thin shells from the others, your challenge, if you have one sounds like lack of calcium. Free choice oyster shell, quality grain, limited fruits, grasses and veggies may help Best of luck! It'll sort out.

 

[PRUrbanFarmer]

I'm pretty new to this to, but here is what I know...and from know I mean quoting Storeys Guide to Raising Chickens.

...soft shells occur when a hens she'll forming mechanism malfunctions or for some reason one of her eggs is rushed through and laid prematurely. Stress induced by fright or excitement can cause a hen to expel an egg before the shell is finished. A nutritional deficiency, especially of vitamin D or calcium can cause soft shells. A laying hens calcium needs are increased by as and by warm weather. Appropriate nutriutional boosters include calcium supplement offered free choice and vitamin AD&E powder added to drinking water three times a week.

 

[PRUrbanFarmer]

Soft shells that are laid when production peaks in spring, and the occasional soft or kissing shell are nothing to worry about. If they persist, however they may be a sign of a serious viral disease especially when accompanied by a drop in production.

 

[junebuggena]

Shell-less eggs are very common in newly laying pullets, even if they have access to a source of calcium. It can take several weeks for all parts of the egg laying system to work together consistently.

 

[horseluv29]

Thank you guys so much. I was worried because when my other girls started laying their shells were fine. I'm going to keep an eye on her and increase the calcium.

 

[horseluv29]

Woohoo! Darcy is laying hard shells now! I don't know if it was the extra calcium or mommy was being overly worried. Thank you guys for all your help!

 

[Mutt Farm]

Woohoo! Darcy is laying hard shells now! I don't know if it was the extra calcium or mommy was being overly worried. Thank you guys for all your help!

that's super!