Potential Problem?

[PennyM]

We have two EEs and they are at the bottom of the pecking order mainly when they are eating. Otherwise, the 5 hens get along fairly well. My sister found this under the roost this morning when she went to clean the coop and said that the shell was hard but thin. I have noticed that both EEs' shells have been thinner than the other three girls from the day they started laying. One of the EEs laid all winter and only went through a mild molt. I am almost positive that this is not her egg though. All of the hens are 1 yr. & 4 mos. old.

Now this afternoon when I went out to check for eggs and turn the mister and fan off (a storm was passing through), our Welsummer and the EE I suspect is the culprit had their tails at half mast (straight out) but not down. Do you think I have a problem or is this just a calcium deficiency for the EE? I keep a bowl of oyster shell out at all times and they are fed flock raiser crumble. Thanks in advance!

Oh, and this is the first time she has laid an egg from the roost.

 

[coach723]

Add another feeder or two, add another feeder with oyster shell or two, so that they have more opportunity and are not kept from getting what they need. I put enough out that everyone has a chance to get what they need and the higher pecking order birds can't protect them all all the time. An occasional egg laid while roosting happens, especially when it's early and they aren't really up yet.

 

[PennyM]

Thank you coach723, I can do that. I went out just a bit ago and they were all doing fine, tails up and pecking away in the run!