Small circular area of poor shell development. This area is Thin, pale, flat and collapses easily under pressure.

[21hens-incharge]

What in addition to the scratch and mealworms are you feeding them?

 

[Kberly]

What in addition to the scratch and mealworms are you feeding them?

I don’t recall the brand, but it’s a layer crumble meant to be sole source. I had recently switched from layer pellets as I felt they didn’t take to them . And the oyster shell mixed in with the feed.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Oyster shell should be on the side instead of mixed in. Less work that way and the ones who need a boost will eat what they need.

If you stop all treats they should go ahead and eat the layer feed.

A big issue with to many treats (other than not being nutritionally balanced) is treats tend to be high in carbs and fat. That can lead to fatty liver disease. With fatty liver they can experience a sudden severe internal bleed and die.

 

[Kberly]

Oyster shell should be on the side instead of mixed in. Less work that way and the ones who need a boost will eat what they need.

If you stop all treats they should go ahead and eat the layer feed.

A big issue with to many treats (other than not being nutritionally balanced) is treats tend to be high in carbs and fat. That can lead to fatty liver disease. With fatty liver they can experience a sudden severe internal bleed and die.

Thank you, yes I discovered yesterday reading that I should let it be a free choice. Luckily I had only mixed it into a portion of the 50lbs of layer feed. I will be able to switch to your advice without too much waste. What are your thoughts on buying organic feed?

 

[21hens-incharge]

Thank you, yes I discovered yesterday reading that I should let it be a free choice. Luckily I had only mixed it into a portion of the 50lbs of layer feed. I will be able to switch to your advice without too much waste. What are your thoughts on buying organic feed?

I don't think you need to throw any feed out just because it has oyster shell mixed in.....just to let that run out and not mix more in.

Organic feed is very expensive in comparison.

I personally do not bother trying to feed organic and my birds live very long healthy lives. By very long I mean more than 8 years long with no serious health issues even in my production breeds. At 8 years old I start looking at processing some out for the soup pot so don't experience the decline in health that happens near the end.

 

[aart]

Sounds/looks to me like she may have a shell gland glitch....could be long term or not.
If the other layers are laying 'good' eggs it's not likely a diet problem but a bird problem.

 

[Kberly]

I don't think you need to throw any feed out just because it has oyster shell mixed in.....just to let that run out and not mix more in.

Organic feed is very expensive in comparison.

I personally do not bother trying to feed organic and my birds live very long healthy lives. By very long I mean more than 8 years long with no serious health issues even in my production breeds. At 8 years old I start looking at processing some out for the soup pot so don't experience the decline in health that happens near the end.

Sage advice, thanks again.