Soft, dark egg shells on the large

[christie22701]

I have 15 month old Red Sex links. A dozen of them. I feed them Dumor layer feed, cracked corn and within the last week have begun giving free choice pullet size oyster shell. My eggs sometimes are a dark brown on the large end. Sometimes I can put my fingernail through and it will crack. It's like it hasn't fully hardened. So some days I'm having to throw out 1-3 eggs. My girls are trying...any advice?

 

[Eggcessive]

You might try switching to Purina Layer for a bag or two, and giving them their crushed egg shells as a treat for a couple of weeks to see if it makes a difference. I would make sure that any corn or scratch was less than 10% of their feed, and it is not necessary. My chickens do look forward to their little treat of scratch most days, though.

 

[christie22701]

I do give egg shells as treats on a regular basis. Is Purina a better product than Dumor or are you suggesting that as a trial to see if it makes a difference?

 

[subhanalah]

Are you feeding ACV or BOSS in the hot weather? By chance?

 

[Eggcessive]

I have used Dumor, but I prefer Purina since it is less dusty. I've read that Purina makes Dumor, but can't confirm it. I was suggesting to switch for 1 bag to see if it makes a difference. Even though feeds are supposed to contain every single ingredient in the amounts listed on the bags, there can be errors. I give extra calcium in a separate container for free choice--that way they get enough. If you use AVC in the water, you may want to stop during the warm weather since it may affect the pH and calcium absorbtion: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/696216/can-acv-cause-decrease-in-calcium-absorbtion-in-pullets