How do I boost the egg quality?

[easyvilleacres]

First, I was not sure where to post this so I hope this forum location is ok?

Second, I don't want to give the impression that I think our eggs are of poor quality ... actually I think they are pretty good ... I just want them to be the best they can be.

We have 8 layers who are 3 1/2 years old. They give us an average of 5 eggs a day. They have plenty of space in their coop and run (run is 20'x20'), we let them roam free for a few hours each evening, give them fresh water at least once a day (more often if it's hot), free access to organic feed 24/7, and treats throughout the day (veg and fruit scraps, garden goodies, etc.). Oh yes, we talk to them, hold them if they want to be held, etc.

Ok, now that you know our girls, here are my q's.

It seems to me their shells could be a little stronger. So today I ground up the shells I've been saving and put a tablespoon of that along with 2T kelp granules into some "must-go" grain mash. Does this sound like a good daily routine? Or maybe I should do something else? I read on here that the shell is formed in 24 hours or so ... does that mean I should see results within a few days?

Also, sometimes there are little dots or bumps on a shell ... which I assume are calcium deposits? Sometimes there are only a few, however sometimes they are all over the shell (which could be coming from the same hen every time? Does a hen always lay the same color egg? If so, maybe i should pay attention to the egg color to see if the really dotted ones are the same color). Is there a remedy for this? Does it even need a remedy?! The store eggs are always so smooth and even ... and I've gathered eggs in huge factory-farm chicken barns several times so I know that almost all of the egg shells are nice and smooth!

Ok, that's all I guess. Thanks for your help!

 

[Toddrick]

I think at that age the shell quality just deteriorates, and I'm not sure if there is much you can do about it. But if there is something that would help I would like to know too.

My Production Red is starting to get pale bumpy shells at 2 1/2 years old. My sister's Golden Comets have just terrible pale and misshapen eggs at 2 years. I'm guessing the more eggs they lay, the quicker they "burn out".

 

[donrae]

What's the calcium percentage in your feed? and what breeds are your hens?

In my experience, sex links and other high production breeds simply have a loss of shell quality as they age. They'd still lay huge eggs and a good amount of them, but thin or brittle shells no matter what I fed them.

 

[Toddrick]

What's the calcium percentage in your feed? and what breeds are your hens?

In my experience, sex links and other high production breeds simply have a loss of shell quality as they age. They'd still lay huge eggs and a good amount of them, but thin or brittle shells no matter what I fed them.

I've only just realized that this seems to be the case. There are always people saying their chickens lay for five years or more if fed correctly, etc. and I believed them. They never clarified what the eggs look like, and whether an average consumer would consider them edible or not.

If they have a heritage breed or one that lays less than 150 eggs per year then I suppose they might lay quality eggs for five years, I dunno. I'd like to hear first hand experience from more people, since I'm really still new to this.

I feed my Red exceptionally well, and it doesn't change her eggs. I suppose I could prevent her from free ranging to force her to eat all Layena, but that would be cruel.

 

[easyvilleacres]

What's the calcium percentage in your feed? and what breeds are your hens?

Thanks to all for your responses! We have Barred Rocks. We get an organic feed in bulk and they do not label the bags, so I just sent them an email asking for the nutrition details.

They're just probably getting a little past their prime We got them 3.5 years ago when they were a day old and they are still our only laying flock. We have a new batch of chicks coming at the end of the week, however this time we got a variety ... Barred Rocks, Welsummers, Buff Orpingtons, Black Copper Marans and Easter Eggers. Layers have become my hobby .... and as far as I can remember I've never really had a hobby.

Thanks again for the input! I'm still learning.