I understand that soft or cracked egg shells are usually caused by lack of calcium. My ? is how to get them to eat more calcium. Is it ok to give them smashed up dried egg shells or is there an additive to put into their food? Also my chickens get a regular diet of all in one egg crumbles along with a wide variety of kitchen scraps (veggies and fruits only), am I doing something wrong?
I switched mine to a different feed because we recently got ducks and chicks, Since there are so many different types of feed for different ages and birds, I got the kind that can feed them all. Since I did this, I've been giving my layers crushed up egg shells just in case there's not enough calcium in their feed. You can give them liquid calcium. Not sure how much to give them since I've never used it. You can give them oyster shell too. Here's a link you can read about causes and cures for soft shelled eggs. http://poultrykeeper.com/egg-problems/soft-thin-or-missing-egg-shells