Rhode Island Reds have weak shells - do yours??

[brekke69]

my RIR Shim has very hard shells. when she was molting we had to buy store eggs. my 8 year old niece (World Class Chef that she is) noticed right away. she broke 2 yolks when she hit the eggs to crack the shells; she is used to hitting harder for Shim's eggs. she was mad those eggs ruined the presentation of breakfast. she told me not to buy store eggs anymore! Shim eats starter mash, assorted seeds and nuts, yard food (anything she can find and catch outside), cat/dog/guinea pig/iguana/bearded dragon/MINE food. basically she eats everything that belongs to any one else in the house. i do offer oyster shells in a separate dish.

 

[crossgirl]

I have two young RIR purchased from a local farmer. They have super strong shells. They free range and eat flock raiser feed daily. Once a week they get a bowl of kitten chow and a bowl of egg shells. No oyster shell here. How disappointing to get a breed known for it's eggs and find out so many of them aren't producing properly!

 

[kizanne]

I have 2 Production Reds a cross of RIR. Only 1 is laying but her shells are hard a rocks. We have free feed oyster shell and use an organic broiler from Countryside, they also free range.

 

[Taylor]

I have some from Mt.Healthy and one is laying out of the bunch, she is 24 wks and she lays medium sized very strong shelled eggs! I heard Mt.Healthy has the real Rhode Island Reds, not the Production type, I love them from there, and their barred rocks and buff orpingtons are good too. they just get layer pellets and some scratch every once in a while. no oyster shell

 

[HeyItsDebV]

My RIR has layed a soft or weak shell this EVENING!!! All 13 hens have been laying perfect shelled eggs for 6 weeks and tonight (which is also strange) one hen layed a soft shelled egg in the run!
And I always have oyster shell out for them...? Help....

 

[Ema]

I am not sure if this is typical for the RIR's but mine are hatchery and some of my girls have super weak shells and I have done everything I can and more to provide them with the calcium they require and nothing has worked. they free range all day too, are on layer, OS, BOSS and Flax and get fruits and vegies as treats once in a while, all I can say is I will not be getting anymore hatchery birds. going to go with Heritage from a local breeder.

Ema