Heather DB
In the Brooder
- Oct 25, 2017
- 7
- 6
- 16
Hi - I live in BC, Canada at 3,600'. The owner of my property just set me up with his old flock - 100 Rhode Island Reds laying hens approx 18 months old. He also supplied new metal/plastic nesting boxes so I can collect from back. The hens came yesterday. They laid everywhere (except the boxes)- I have 6 dozen eggs in the fridge but at least 2 dozen others were soft,soft shell. Many of the harder shells had an extra layer of calcium(?)/white - so I have dark brown eggs mottled with white. He brought me laying pellets, but thats all. Should I be supplementing these hens? Will the white disappear, and the shells harden when they're not stressed? Is the white caused by laying on the ground? How can I get them to use the nest boxes? Any advice will be so welcome - thanks...