rubber eggs

[sixchicksnme]

I have 4 layers, 1 barred rock, 1 mystery, 2 easter eggers. They all eat the same organic layer feed & (separate) oyster shell supplement. They free range around 5 hours daily. One of my easter eggers lays about 2 rubber eggs a week. Her other eggs are thin but usable. The weird part is she lays the rubber eggs while on the roosting bar. She lays her good eggs in the nesting box. If it was a calcium problem, wouldn't all of them have the same issues?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You are right. If they are all eating layer feed, it isn't a calcium deficiency unless you are treating a lot. Enough to offset a significant portion of the layer feed. And one would think the additional container of oyster shell would correct any issue. An imbalance of calciumhosphorus:manganese3 can cause shell less eggs but those should be in proper balance in the layer feed.
What is the temperature where you are now?
Heat stress, old age, mycotoxins, saline water, avian influenza and infectious bronchitis can cause this.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Some birds have a higher calcium requirement (hence the oyster shells) and yet will not eat oyster shell. Since you know which bird is the problem, have you actually seen her eating the oyster shell at all?

 

[sixchicksnme]

You are right. If they are all eating layer feed, it isn't a calcium deficiency unless you are treating a lot. Enough to offset a significant portion of the layer feed. And one would think the additional container of oyster shell would correct any issue. An imbalance of calciumhosphorus:manganese3 can cause shell less eggs but those should be in proper balance in the layer feed.
What is the temperature where you are now?
Heat stress, old age, mycotoxins, saline water, avian influenza and infectious bronchitis can cause this.

I live in south Texas so it is really hot here but there is no sign of any illness in any of my girls. None of my girls eat much of the oyster shell but not sure what I can do about that

 

[sixchicksnme]

Some birds have a higher calcium requirement (hence the oyster shells) and yet will not eat oyster shell. Since you know which bird is the problem, have you actually seen her eating the oyster shell at all?

Actually, i never see any of my girls eating oyster shell. I rarely have to add any to the feeder. I give them ground egg shells too & they do eat that

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I live in south Texas so it is really hot here but there is no sign of any illness in any of my girls. None of my girls eat much of the oyster shell but not sure what I can do about that

In very hot weather, sometimes birds consume more water and less feed, which essentially means they are consuming less calcium. Chickens are more excited over egg shells, so perhaps you can mix some in with available oyster shells to make them more enticing.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Chickens are more excited over egg shells, so perhaps you can mix some in with available oyster shells to make them more enticing.

x2. If they're eating the egg shell then continue to provide that and see if you can use it to entice them to eat some oyster shell too.