Obviously doing something wrong

[Ruler of the Roost]

One of my chickens just cropped out an egg that had a rubber-like shell… so I’m assuming that I’m not giving them enough calcium. I’ve noticed that their eggs up to this point have had thin shells. I thought it was just a difference between store bought and farm fresh. But at this point I’m assuming that they’ve been low on calcium and are now reaching a critically low point. How can I safely add calcium to their diet?

 

[rosemarythyme]

What specifically are you currently feeding them? Do you have calcium available on the side and if so, in what form?

 

[Shadrach]

First thing is what do you feed them, a commercial feed? Do you know the feed profile?
As a very rough average an egg shell needs around 3 to 4 grams of calcium.
The hen requires calcium and on those occasions she can get more than she needs she can store the excess in some of her bones. Agian very roughly include a gram of calcium for her.
Roughly the hens total calcium intake daily should be between 4 to 5 grams per day while she's laying.

 

[Ruler of the Roost]

I did switch to a less expensive feed from rural king. I give them plenty, but most of there feeding is done free range. There is always a lot of crumble left on the ground after I feed them.

 

[rosemarythyme]

We still need specifics - a photo of the feed bag tag or a link to the product would help. Is this a layer feed, for starters?

And is there a source of calcium and if so, what?

 

[Perris]

I did switch to a less expensive feed from rural king. I give them plenty, but most of there feeding is done free range. There is always a lot of crumble left on the ground after I feed them.

try offering them some dairy produce - proper stuff from cows, not plant substitutes - ideally full fat (that's only 4%, semi is 2%) if milk, or plain natural yogurt (ideally live), or cheese of any sort, for a quick easy calcium boost.

 

[EddieSalita]

Rubber eggs happen sometimes. Doesn't automatically there is something wrong.
Posters are trying to ascertain if you are falling short on your new feed. You said crumble. Calcium augmented crumbles aren't common. So we're all on the edge of our seats here

 

[Ruler of the Roost]

We still need specifics - a photo of the feed bag tag or a link to the product would help. Is this a layer feed, for starters?

And is there a source of calcium and if so, what?

No. I’ve just been giving them the feed. I just bought a waterer so I can start giving them rooster booster in it.

 

[Logar]

I’ve just been giving them the feed

Which would be…?

 

[wrathsfarm]

Are you providing Oyster shell on the side to supplement? This should be available for them.

Are you crushing the egg shells their laying and feeding them back as a supplement periodically?