Soft egg shell

[Duchess Ducky]

Today I found an egg with very soft shell. I know it means they lack calcium. I try to feed calcium fortified feed but I also feed them kitchen scraps and they are roaming around in the yard. Since it is only this one egg is it possible it is not related to food and one of my chickens is sick? What should I do. Should I just get more calcium and add to their food or leave calcium by itself for free feeding? Goats do know what they lack and only eat minerals if they need it, is it the same with chickens? If not is there a problem with calcium overdose with chickens?

 

[rjohns39]

Today I found an egg with very soft shell. I know it means they lack calcium. I try to feed calcium fortified feed but I also feed them kitchen scraps and they are roaming around in the yard. Since it is only this one egg is it possible it is not related to food and one of my chickens is sick? What should I do. Should I just get more calcium and add to their food or leave calcium by itself for free feeding? Goats do know what they lack and only eat minerals if they need it, is it the same with chickens? If not is there a problem with calcium overdose with chickens?

It could be a variety of things. What have your temps been lately? I would offer grit and oyster shell free choice. If its been hot, you may need to amp up the protein in their diet. They should be eating about 4.5oz per bird per day and drinking twice that amount of water. And it could be a first time layer who hasn't quite perfected the task.

 

[Duchess Ducky]

It could be a variety of things. What have your temps been lately? I would offer grit and oyster shell free choice. If its been hot, you may need to amp up the protein in their diet. They should be eating about 4.5oz per bird per day and drinking twice that amount of water. And it could be a first time layer who hasn't quite perfected the task.

Thank you for your response. Temperature has been up and down. I have some young ones, may be just starting to lay. I will increase the protein in their diet and offer calcium and grits mix

 

[rjohns39]

Thank you for your response. Temperature has been up and down. I have some young ones, may be just starting to lay. I will increase the protein in their diet and offer calcium and grits mix

Be gentle with your adjustments and monitor how much they are eating and drinking. Often when its above 85 degrees they'll eat less than normal.