How do I improve the quality of these eggs/shells?

[Keggen]

I give them free choice oyster shell and some of their egg shells (dried up a little for a day and then crushed) for calcium. The confusing thing is that some eggs show signs of low calcium with the soft shell but some show sign of to much with the sandy/gritty outer texture.

They're just over 1 year old and aren't showing any signs of illness. I wondered if this could be egg drop syndrome, maybe? If so will this resolve itself or will the eggs always be different like this?

Should I increase more greens maybe? Our winter was so so long here this year that spring is finally here and all we're getting is rain. Things are very late to grow and bloom. I could buy some to supplement for now, what should I give them?

 

[LadyCluck77]

Try giving them some lettuce or other greens. It was a long winter here in the northeast, still feels like it some days too. My instinct is that this will pass.

 

[abmaddox1981]

I give them free choice oyster shell and some of their egg shells (dried up a little for a day and then crushed) for calcium. The confusing thing is that some eggs show signs of low calcium with the soft shell but some show sign of to much with the sandy/gritty outer texture.

Because it's free choice, some are eating more than others. Either pen them seperately, or toss it out with scratch or some other treat. Also, make sure they're getting some greens.

 

[JNB]

I was having some of the same issues with some of my layers.. Same age as your. I also feed very much like you described.

I increased their protein a little and started adding the oyster shell to their feed mix besides free feed Oyster Shell. I also started feeding Spinach to them each day. approx about 4 cups scattered in the run with with their BOSS.

I have seen great improvement in the egg quality.

 

[Keggen]

Great idea, thanks. I have been giving BOSS a few times a week, as well as dried meal worms and kitchen scraps. I think I will add more greens though.

 

[Sandyd]

You may want to get some all natural Avia Charge and mix in their water. Full of Vitamins and Minerals. Smells good also. This is what I do when the girls seem like they are in a slump. Especially when it gets so hot.

 

[FireflyNights]

Kale has a higher calcium level than most greens and is easily digested. If you are in a mild summer area it should grow well to. I have to grow mine in the winter but my girls get so excited when they see those leaves coming. Maybe the feed manufacturer changed their recipe. They do that sometimes when an ingredient is cheaper. But I would suggest added protein and mix calcium as well. One of my girls won't touch oyster but she like kale and cuddle bones.

 

[suzie226]

I feed scratch grain and a hand full or so of laying pellets. If the eggs are soft, mix in some oyster shells. It hardens the eggs. You can get it where you buy feed. ( I laughed out loud about the fart eggs.) An old Farmer told me that was the end of the Hens cycle. And sure enough that Hen didn't lay for awhile.

 

[desertegg]

Are they all related to each other? Maybe it's just bad genes. I read somewhere on here that a weird egg every now and then is normal, but some chickens are just not good at egg making.

 

[fatcatx]

I agree with others that some high calcium food should be offered for a few weeks to see if that has an effect. Green tops (turnip, mustard, and collard) have a lot. Kale and spinach already noted above. Arugula also a good choice. Maybe offer yogurt in small quantities? Dairy should be limited. Let us know how the experiment goes!