Quote:
Let me restate:
My 8 month old Barred Rocks and Jerseys are laying inconsistant sized eggs and some are thin shelled. What would be the cause of each issue?
On the Poultry Site link I posted, they state that your issues are most likely due to the fact that they are still young birds that have not fully matured when it comes to egg laying yet. I would not be too overly concerned at this time. Give it a few more months and see how it goes. Different breeds mature at different times, so one breed might have both of the issues cleared up quickly while the other may take a little longer. It is frustrating, I know, but your patience should be rewarded soon.
Incidence of Thin-Shelled or Shell-less Eggs: (I know this is only one of your issues)
The incidence of these eggs varies from about 0.5 to 6%.
They are commonly produced by pullets coming into lay, particularly by birds that have matured early. Some birds continue to lay this type of egg.
Cause & Control
Immature shell gland= Delay onset of sexual maturity 1 to 2 weeks by controlled feeding during rearing.
Defective shell gland- Cull birds which persistently produce such eggs.
Disturbances causing eggs to be laid before calcification of the shell is complete= Minimize activities which create disturbances in and around the layer shed. Increase shed security to stop other birds and animals entering the shed.
Poor nutrition= Make sure that birds nutrient intake is correct (particularly regarding calcium and vitamin D3). Mixed feed should be handled carefully so that the different components do not separate out. This particularly needs to be checked when augers and automatic feeding systems are used.
Saline water= Desalinate, dilute or do not use drinking water containing problem levels of salts.
Diseases, e.g. infectious bronchitis and eggdrop syndrome= Follow effective vaccination programs where available.
