Shell less layer

[haidee]

I have 4 hens 2 are ex batts, 1 blackrock and a blue ranger, I also have 2 white campbell ducks with them. They all get along and lay well except the blue, she lays often but no shell, occasionally I get a very soft membrane but usually nothing. Her diet is good and no problem with the other hens eggs, she's perfectly healthy otherwise...any suggestions ?

 

[theoldchick]

She has a defective shell-gland or her diet is not meeting her needs to produce a proper shell.

 

[chickens really]

Do you supply oyster shell in a separate bowl?

 

[aart]

When only one bird in a flock has a laying problem,
it's usually the bird, not the diet.
How old is this bird?
How long has she been laying?
Has she ever laid a 'proper egg'?

 

[Star and eclipsa]

Post pics please

 

[haidee]

When only one bird in a flock has a laying problem,
it's usually the bird, not the diet.
How old is this bird?
How long has she been laying?
Has she ever laid a 'proper egg'?

That's my thought. I had them last year at POL. I don't think she's ever laid a normal egg, the few with shells that I've managed to grab before the others eat it, have been very thin and soft if the haven't pierced already they tear easily.
I can see she's in good health other than this and she has a lovely nature. They all stopped laying with the cold but she is the first to lay this year and it has warmed up much at all. I was curious as to why and if there was anything I could do. But I'm happy with her supplying the other girls with some nutrients.

 

[haidee]

Do you supply oyster shell in a separate bowl?

Yes they don't seem very interested though. My previous little flock never ate it either but shells never a problem like the rest of this current flock.

 

[haidee]

She has a defective shell-gland or her diet is not meeting her needs to produce a proper shell.

They all have normal strong shells apart from her. They have mainly layers pellets and mixed corn. They occasionally get to free range in my garden eating bugs and plants etc. . .I also give them veggies and weeds and mealworms.

 

[theoldchick]

Then she most likely has something going on with her reproductive tract. What it exactly is can't be determined without further workup.

 

[haidee]

Then she most likely has something going on with her reproductive tract. What it exactly is can't be determined without further workup.

Thanks for your reply