Remedy for Thin Shells? FIXED! Solution on #13

[threehorses]

Actually, that could effect things. It could be that he was the one getting her to eat grit by the little rooster "eat here" dance they do. Also, it's mysterious but quite common that many hens who are the top hen will go through physiological changes when they have to become the 'rooster' of the flock.

Oddly, mine (who was an adult) grew more comb and had two feathers develop more like rooster tail feathers. It's unexplainable since she's fully a hen and nothing but a hen. Or maybe something about not having a rooster caused less of a drive and changed the way her body reacted? Again, a mystery, but I'd keep it in mind.

If she's still passing the eggs, I wouldn't worry terribly about it. When you start to see thin spots in the egg, then I'd be more concerned. But I do think it's worth continuing to experiment in increasing her calcium intake and perhaps slightly lowering her phosphorus.

 

[caralouise1974]

Quote:
Cut out the broccoli. I understand it can have the same action as the spinach, in that it actually prevents effective synthesis of the available calcium in the hen's diet.

I don't know if it was the main culprit, but my girl had soft shells, and I was giving her lots and lots of broccoli. When I stopped it (along with making quite a lot of other lifestyle and environment changes - mostly cutting out all the treats) her laying improved almost overnight. I never give our hens broccoli or leafy greens any more. Only some chopped green beans.

Just try cutting out all greens, except grass, for a week and see if it improves. Worth a shot...

 

[SproutGirl]

threehoses, you were right. Pekka was upset about the changes in her flock, it seems. Although it wasn't the rooster, it was her sister who went broody right at the time the rooster was removed. Our flock is small, so I guess small changes can be significant. Well, as soon as Frieda decided she was done with her chicks, Pekka was happy and paling around with her again, and the thin shell problem immediately stopped. She lays perfect eggs again without any problems. Who would have thought a chicken could have such emotional or psychological bonds as to create physiological problems? I'm glad Pekka is feeling better!

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

this was such an interesting thread. Threehorses your advice/information is certainly appreciated by everyone

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
Yay! I'm glad to hear that things have settled down a bit. If something comes up again, let me know. I was researching for your bird and found some information I had forgotten about calcium supplementation, but only really for birds that tend to go towards soft-shelled eggs.

I'm glad things worked out, and am just grateful to be able to help.