Kari in Arkansas, here to get acquainted.

[Kari-oke]

We are raising our 6 Rhode Island reds (banties were good chicken soup) as close to organic as we can. They were mature birds when we got them, but egg shells were fragile. Hubby bought non organic crumbles to help harden them. I feel like after the GMOs were out of diet, shell situation would have rectified itself. ???

 

[Kari-oke]

 

[Kari-oke]

I was NOT happy about crumbles

 

[alldembirds]

the fragile shells could be from a couple things it is probably from lack of calcium

 

[Urban Flock]

You need calcium in their diet. GMO's don't have anything to do with soft shells. You need to be feeding them a "layer" feed if you want to fix the shell problem.

 

[N F C]

Your birds can get additional calcium through things like crushed oyster shell, yogurt, cottage cheese and some greens (like broccoli) are loaded with it.

Good luck!

 

[drumstick diva]

Even when you feed layer it's a good idea to have oyster shell in a separate dish so hens can eat what they need.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Wyandottes7]

Welcome!

I'm glad you joined the BYC "flock".

Calcium is the key to strong shells, GMOs aren't going to really affect it. Do you know how much calcium is in crumbles? You want about 3-4% calcium for good quality shells. If there isn't enough calcium, you can supplement with oystershell or with crushed eggshell.

 

[BantamLover21]

I'm glad you joined us!

Good luck with your chickens! As the other posters have said, layer feed and a calcium supplement (like oystershell) should help your hens lay strong eggs.