Soft eggs

[Misterpigeon124]

I have two cochin hens. Not sure the age but when I bought them I was told they were both 4 months and laying. I realized that's pretty young to be laying. I've had them for about a week and a half, and no eggs! This morning I found 2 soft shelled eggs that were broken. I got them oyster shells, will that help? Also any thoughts on the age? Pic is of when i first got them

 

[igorsMistress]

Yes oyster shell may help if they aren't getting enough calcium. They could also be very new layers and rubber eggs happen sometimes. I'm curious, what are you feeding them? Layer feed, chick feed?

 

[Misterpigeon124]

Yes oyster shell may help if they aren't getting enough calcium. They could also be very new layers and rubber eggs happen sometimes. I'm curious, what are you feeding them? Layer feed, chick feed?

Layer feed

 

[Misterpigeon124]

Yes oyster shell may help if they aren't getting enough calcium. They could also be very new layers and rubber eggs happen sometimes. I'm curious, what are you feeding them? Layer feed, chick feed?

The specific kind is NatureWise layer feed protein crumble

 

[igorsMistress]

They could be new layers if they're that young. I'm not a good judge of age by pics. I would give them the oyster shell on the side and monitor. If it doesn't improve it could be illness, even a past illness. I remember reading somewhere that excess salt can cause it. Do you use a water softener?

 

[Misterpigeon124]

They could be new layers if they're that young. I'm not a good judge of age by pics. I would give them the oyster shell on the side and monitor. If it doesn't improve it could be illness, even a past illness. I remember reading somewhere that excess salt can cause it. Do you use a water softener?

No, the water I use comes from filtered water machines. You know those gallon containers you fill up at grocery stores?

 

[igorsMistress]

They never get tap water? Wow!

I'll bet they're just newbies in a new place and just need some time.

 

[aart]

No, the water I use comes from filtered water machines. You know those gallon containers you fill up at grocery stores?

Funny, I was just thinking about this....
...wonders where does that water come from and how is it filtered(for what) and how well are the filters maintained ?
It maybe filtered, but pretty sure it comes from the grocery stores 'tap water'.

Oh, and, hard to tell 4 months from 6 months old birds, but if they are laying they are likely closer to 6 than 4. Soft eggs are not uncommon with new layers.

 

[Ccaplan]

Hi all: I'm having a similar problem and have a quick question. My EE just started laying and there is oyster shell everywhere. They have Scratch and Peck layer feed as well in bowls throughout the barn. She literally just started laying but every egg is soft shelled. Can I crush up tums and feed it free choice? She has zero interest in eating it as a treat. Are there other "treats" I can feed them all that she'll end up eating - yogurt gave them all very soft poop so anything else? Thank you!

 

[Kluk-Kluk]

My chickens don't like crushed oyster shells, but they LOVE crushed egg shells. I save all the egg shells from our eggs, dry them for a few days, then crush them and either feed them in a dish by itself or mix it into treats, like chopped up lettuce or chopped bread. They eat the egg shells like it's a treat!