My sex link has soft shell eggs

[Mtn Laurel]

Every time I've given my girls a flock block, we've almost immediately started having soft-shelled eggs. I have removed the block, gave it to the wild birds, and won't give another one to my hens again.

I think the reason for the soft-shells is that the hens love the flock block and are filling up on it and aren't eating their normal layer rations. Subsequently, they're not getting the calcium they need to produce hard shells.

Remove the flock block. Reduce the amount of scratch they're getting and increase the layer mash or pellets. I'm betting that will solve the issue.

 

[lrayle]

That is exactly what I will do Thank you!

 

[lrayle]

Just wanted to give an update on my gal She is laying eggs {hard shell} egg as of today Not really sure what caused it maybe the attack of the hawk or her diet I dont know Im just glad she is back This is a pic of all my chickens We love them all but midnight {the sex link} is my gal and she is a eating machine Thank you everyone for all the great infro

 

[averycatherwood]

Sounds like a nutrition problem and perhaps a bit of anxiety. Get some good quality layer feed and sprinkle some crushed oyster shells in the feed. I sometimes throw a handful of oyster shells in the run just to ensure they are getting enough calcium.

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

The other advice I have is that you should remove the corn as well as the flock block, and wet your mash.

"Mash" is meant to be fed damp, or else it's too dusty for chickens to eat well. And any bird will pick the corn out of the dry mash, that's just the way the birds are--corn is like candy. Layer food is meant to be fed as the sole food, with only occasional small treats.

Once your mash is gone, switch to a layer pellet or crumble. Dumor brand is fine (though not my favorite). If you give them layer feed and no other feed, they will eat it just fine and you won't have to wet it.

 

[rapids]

Hi,
I give my chickens Apple cider vinegar Organic 20ml to 1 litre of water once a month all the girls are doing well

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Cheers..