How long until thicker shells?

[Flockofeleven]

Hi all-
One of my hens (a RIR) has always tended to lay eggs with a fairly weak shell (my girls have been laying for 2 years and eat layer feed). When she started laying again after taking a short winter break, the shells seemed even worse; her eggs would often get broken in the nest boxes when other hens went to lay. So I made sure to get a regular supply of oyster shell in the run. I was surprised how hard it was to find a way to give it to the hens where it wouldn't be dumped or filled with straw, but I found a cage cup that solved my problem. Anyway, the oyster shell has been in the run and accessible for 3 weeks now, but I don't see any improvement in shell quality. How long does it usually take for oyster shell to do its thing? Since only one of my hens lays weak shells, could it be a problem specifically with her? Thanks!

 

[Thassa]

I have that same question. I have a little bantam Polish girl (thats her in the picture as a baby) that has always layed thin shelled eggs and lately has been laying rubber eggs too on and off. They always have access to oyster shell and I put out plain yogurt a few times a week. I've been almost tempted to buy some liquid calcium supplement to give her.

 

[aart]

....... Since only one of my hens lays weak shells, could it be a problem specifically with her? Thanks!

Yes.

I think that some birds do not process the calcium provided properly and it would be hard to figure out why so as to 'fix' it.

 

[vehve]

If I remember correctly, as in humans, chickens also need vitamin D to process calcium. I'm thinking some sunlight and added vitamin D might be of use.

 

[aart]

If I remember correctly, as in humans, chickens also need vitamin D to process calcium. I'm thinking some sunlight and added vitamin D might be of use.

That could be it....but...if it is only one bird it could just be her body is not up to snuff and adding supplements for the whole flock might upset the balance of the other birds.

 

[Flockofeleven]

Interesting! My girls get plenty of sun, but I'm definitely going to do some reading about chickens and vitamin D. Thanks everyone for your thoughts.