One Hen not enough calcium?

[Plymouth Gonzo]

Hello out there and happy spring!

Hoping someone can lend advise on one of my new sapphire gems not being able to lay a solid egg. It’s pretty much every day now when I go to collect the eggs they are all covered in yoke because one had broke. Sometimes the shells are there, sometimes not. If I catch the timing just right I will get that one egg before the other hens sit on it and break it. It’s always very thin shelled with the top tip being soft. there is self serve oyster shells available at all times but I can’t make her eat them.

Any advise?

thanks

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you know which bird it is, try supplementing her with calcium and see if that helps. What I do for my birds that need a bit extra (and won't eat oyster shell voluntarily) is I save the powdered oyster shell that ends up at the bottom of the dispenser. Then I take a small amount of wet feed (like 1/2 to 1 Tbsp is enough), put it in a small dish, and sprinkle the powdered oyster shell on there. Don't need too much oyster shell, like maybe 1/4 tsp. Separately feed the bird you're supplementing so only she eats it, and do that 2-3x a week.

If it works you should see results within 10-14 days or so.

 

[Plymouth Gonzo]

Thank you. I believe that may be my only shot. Feeding chickens separately can be a challenge but I will try.