Hens and pullets together, soft shelled eggs

[Folly's place]

Good food and sunlight should do it without adding anything else. Mary

 

[ksguy]

Thanks everyone for the tips and help. More oyster shell was gone last night, and the condition of egg shells already seems to be improved even on the eggs I collected last night. Egg size is still reduced but at least they're not fragile.

I did go ahead and modify their feed slightly. The feeder was almost empty last night so when I refilled it I went 1/3 16% layer crumbles mixed with 2/3 18% grower.

One more crazy (weird?) hurdle overcome in the wonderful world of backyard chickens.

 

[Folly's place]

Good work! Mary

 

[HaHaFarms]

Hi Poultry Parent,
In this post you say lack of calcium doesn't straight up cause soft eggs. What would be your next idea? I am certain my girls get enough calcium...one started laying soft eggs and now more of them are. I am very worried. I have recent post and waiting to hear what ideas people have though you seem very knowledgeable...any ideas?

 

[junebuggena]

Hi Poultry Parent,
In this post you say lack of calcium doesn't straight up cause soft eggs. What would be your next idea? I am certain my girls get enough calcium...one started laying soft eggs and now more of them are. I am very worried. I have recent post and waiting to hear what ideas people have though you seem very knowledgeable...any ideas?

Hens that are about to stop laying due to brooding or molting do tend to lay shell-less eggs just prior. Also, hens that are just starting to lay again after being broody or molting can also lay soft eggs.
As long as they have plenty of feed and a source of calcium available, it's likely a temporary thing that will resolve within a week or so.