Red sex link health issues

[Big yellow]

Hi,

One of my chickens, a red sex link, is about to start laying eggs. I've done some research, and it looks like these chickens can develop alot health issues, such as internal laying. I was wondering if anyone could give me some more information about this bird.
Thanks!

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Issues such as internal laying do not depend on breed but on chicken. Make sure they have lots of extra calcium, water and the correct feed.

 

[Big yellow]

Alright. Should I mix the oyster shells into the food or give it to them seperatly?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Feeding it separately allows the bird to decide what it does/doesn't need or want to take in at any particular time - whereas mixing it in with the fed results in a less controlled (by the bird) intake. I prefer the former.

 

[Big yellow]

Alright, thanks. I'll make sure to pick up another bowl.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Alright. Should I mix the oyster shells into the food or give it to them seperatly?

Yes, put the oyster shell in a separate dish.

 

[JanetS]

My (3) RSL are 2 1/2 years old now. They have had some egg laying issues but have been great chickens.

 

[member 365637]

I have a Red Sex Link I bought as a 6mo pullet and she was a great egg producer until she entered her first molt at just before 2 years of age. After that or during the tail end of that (wasn't a molt like my other hens though!) which coincided with longer days here in MA, March of this year, she started laying eggs with shells so soft they "splat" and she'd drop them in the run area or from the roost and very occasionally in the box. Now she is at the point where she might lay 3 good eggs in 3 days and then stop laying, then lay a teeny tiny but fully formed egg, then splat eggs then back to a good egg or two. She is definitely NOT thriving. I don't like the shape of her poop either and it has a foul smell but I am at a loss as to what the problem is. My 3 other hens are super healthy and look it. She looks to me like she is failing.