Multiple Hens Drop Eggs

[Thechicknldy]

I would like to ask a question:
3 of my first 4 hens had had the same issue and died from it: After a year or so of laying eggs, they start by first dropping some of the eggs (once in a while) in the middle of the day or the night. As time passes, it becomes more frequent and eventually, they start dropping all of them; next, they begin dropping them with soft shell and then no shell/membrane at all. In the end, this dropping egg phase stops and they die.
When the first hen started with the problem, I took her to the vet, who prescribed liquid calcium. But this did not help despite multiple doses. I gave them anti parasite medicine, the dry shells of their eggs, and the store-bought shells/rocks. Nothing helped.
Currently, I have the fourth one with the same issue and looks very sick and I have notice that another one has started with the occasional egg dropping.
If someone has experienced something similar, I would appreciate your comments on this problem.

Thank you!


Last edited: Jan 5, 2019

 

[Galeann]

what are you feeding them?

 

[Isaac 0]

Hello, and Welcome to BYC!

 

[LadyAchee]

Welcome! I am sorry you are having trouble with your hens! If you would like faster response and more help please copy and post this in the emergencies, diseases, injuries, and cures forum.

 

[drumstick diva]

agree with LadyAchee

 

[aart]

I would appreciate your comments on this problem.

@Thechicknldy
What all and how exactly are you feeding them?
The only way to know for sure what killed these birds is to open them up and take a look,
or have a necropsy with pathology done by a lab.

Welcome to BYC @Thechicknldy sorry you're having troubles.
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[LaFleche]

This almost sounds like egg drop syndrome (EDS) to me.

http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Factsheets/pdfs/egg_drop_syndrome.pdf

 

[Perris]

it may be vit d deficiency (Damerow Chicken Health Handbook 1994:29) ; try giving some cod liver oil.

 

[LadyAchee]

@TwoCrows This was the thread.

 

[TwoCrows]

In my experience this is not a lack of calcium issue. Its some sort of glitch in her system, sending out too many yolks. I've read that too much protein can cause them to release too many yolks, however in all my hens cases it was either a problem with internal laying or some hormonal issue to which they over released yolks. Birds with this issue never survived in my flock. Many times it stems from their genetics, their momma was an internal layer, her offspring does as well.