Shell problem dont know whats up

[ChickenRisa]

I always thought it was not enough calcium that causes thin-shelled eggs, who knew hot weather could do it?! Awesome link iwiw60!

 

[iwiw60]

I always thought it was not enough calcium that causes thin-shelled eggs, who knew hot weather could do it?! Awesome link iwiw60!

You're very very welcome!!

 

[Miss Pam]

One of my chickens, who only lays occasionally, delivered this egg and it looks even more dramatic in plain sight.

I feed them pellets (or crumbles) and some scratch, it's really the only options around here, plus some bread crumbs and left overs, and even if I get the "layers' feed" which I try to, I still am getting soft shells by some. (I don't have a large flock, just about 10).

I've tried all the varieties of food I can find, but they really are not excited about it, they love treats, which is leftover garden veggies mostly, and grass, and bread crumbs.

To me this is big signal something is wrong, but I don't know what to do. Usually just the ends of the eggs have a bit of malformation at times, usually a layered look and thin.

This is hard and crinkley feeling. Any experienced suggestions?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

One of my chickens, who only lays occasionally, delivered this egg and it looks even more dramatic in plain sight.

I feed them pellets (or crumbles) and some scratch, it's really the only options around here, plus some bread crumbs and left overs, and even if I get the "layers' feed" which I try to, I still am getting soft shells by some. (I don't have a large flock, just about 10).

I've tried all the varieties of food I can find, but they really are not excited about it, they love treats, which is leftover garden veggies mostly, and grass, and bread crumbs.

To me this is big signal something is wrong, but I don't know what to do. Usually just the ends of the eggs have a bit of malformation at times, usually a layered look and thin.

This is hard and crinkley feeling. Any experienced suggestions?

Are you offering supplemental calcium - ie oyster shell? You mention "if" you get layer feed - which seems to imply that you sometimes (or often?) do not feed layer feed - the key difference between layer ration and regular poultry ration is the calcium content, which is needed by a laying hen to shell and pass the egg - those not getting calcium through their dietary intake will draw the calcium from their own bodies (not good). Even when feeding layer ration, it is a good idea (imo) to offer extra calcium free-choice so that each hen can take in what her body tells her she needs on any given day.

 

[hennible]

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/01/how-hen-makes-egg-egg-oddities.html?m=1
Here is another odd egg reasons link

 

[Miss Pam]

Thank you for replying! The reason I get the layer feed is because some of my hen's eggs shells are so thin! Others are normal, and I am thinking this egg is from a hen who just lays occasionally so it built up?

I also had a chicken in the past who suddenly could not walk and I researched and some of that suggested Marek's disease but the hen lasted 3-4 months with me personally feeding it and it was always hungry. It had so other symptoms and none of my other chickens with it got sick, so I wondered if there was a bone break from the big rooster mounting it. She was not that small, but I was trying to think of everything.

So much of the different foods I buy they leave behind and that always concerns me. I want them to like their dinner and it be good for them!

I don't always have scraps but do give them some bread crumbs often for something.

Thanks for all your insight!

 

[iwiw60]

Are you offering supplemental calcium - ie oyster shell? You mention "if" you get layer feed - which seems to imply that you sometimes (or often?) do not feed layer feed - the key difference between layer ration and regular poultry ration is the calcium content, which is needed by a laying hen to shell and pass the egg - those not getting calcium through their dietary intake will draw the calcium from their own bodies (not good). Even when feeding layer ration, it is a good idea (imo) to offer extra calcium free-choice so that each hen can take in what her body tells her she needs on any given day.

In agreement with @Ol Grey Mare ... your girls need layer feed and oyster shell on the side next to their feed. They will consume what they need. I noticed in one of your other posts to this thread where you said "I want them to enjoy their dinner" .... I'm assuming here, but am wondering...are you saying you feed them once a day? My girls have layer feed at all times 24/7.

You might try feeding them some hard-boiled egg, shell and all, crushed up really good...they go crazy for it and it will give them a protein boost...might help, can't hurt to try it.