Soft eggs

[Maried]

My 2 black rocks appear to be laying soft eggs which I have tried to deal with I ensure they do not have lots of snacks and have a balanced diet I do not think that they are stressed. I put app,e cider vinegar in the water and feed yoghurt mixed with scratch about once a week. Does anyone have any other ideas to deal with this problem.

 

[wamtazlady]

First, how old are the chickens? Egg shell problems are common with very young or very old chickens. What are you feeding? Are you feeding layer pellets, all flock, or scratch? Scratch is not a good diet for chickens. It is okay for about 10% of their diet as a snack. Are you offering oyster shells? Oyster shells can supply needed calcium. Are you also offering plain water along with the water with apple cider vinegar?

 

[Maried]

First, how old are the chickens? Egg shell problems are common with very young or very old chickens. What are you feeding? Are you feeding layer pellets, all flock, or scratch? Scratch is not a good diet for chickens. It is okay for about 10% of their diet as a snack. Are you offering oyster shells? Oyster shells can supply needed calcium. Are you also offering plain water along with the water with apple cider vinegar?

thank you The chickens are around 3 years old I feed them good quality layers and make they have access to grit they gave a little corn and mealworm once a day but otherwise no other extras. My other chickens are all laying well and their shells are good.

 

[wamtazlady]

Your 2 black rocks may need more calcium. I would certainly start giving them oyster shell and see if that helps.

 

[Maried]

Your 2 black rocks may need more calcium. I would certainly start giving them oyster shell and see if that helps.

Thanks however I have increased their oyster shell but am at a loss as to what to try next, it’s such a shame as until a few months ago they were laying well.

 

[aart]

Thanks however I have increased their oyster shell but am at a loss as to what to try next, it’s such a shame as until a few months ago they were laying well.

Cut out the ACV, it can inhibit calcium uptake.
Just plain fresh water is all they need.

What exactly is their main feed?
Link to product or protein and calcium percentages.

Welcome to BYC! @Maried
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Maried]

Cut out the ACV, it can inhibit calcium uptake.
Just plain fresh water is all they need.

What exactly is their main feed?
Link to product or protein and calcium percentages.

Welcome to BYC! @Maried
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2141956

Cut out the ACV, it can inhibit calcium uptake.
Just plain fresh water is all they need.

What exactly is their main feed?
Link to product or protein and calcium percentages.

Welcome to BYC! @Maried
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2141956

I feed them an organic layers which has all the necessary nutrients . I use ACV as I had an issue with ? Vent gleet with one of my other chickens but will stop using if it interferes with calcium uptake Both black rocks do look very healthy and my other 3 chickens are laying well. I live in Uk and it is spring

 

[aart]

I feed them an organic layers which has all the necessary nutrients

Is it a crumble, pellet, or cracked grain formulation?

I have increased their oyster shell

Is the oyster shell in a separate container....are they eating it?

 

[Maried]

Is it a crumble, pellet, or cracked grain formulation?


Is the oyster shell in a separate container....are they eating it?

Yes they do eat it

 

[Durelle]

I am having the same issue. 2 of my hens that are a year old are laying soft eggs. I gave them vitamin water and switched to an organic layer feed that is pellets. That helped for a week. I give access to oyster shell. They don't seem to be eating their food. Not eating eggs shells or oyster shells either. It's hot here and this just started. I give them fresh water twice daily. Cut out snacks completely. I am at a loss. None if the chickens seem that interested in their food but either hide in the shade and then beg to be let out in the evenings. I have 5 chickens and egg production has gone down also. Just 2 eggs yesterday and one was soft. Only one soft egg today. Please help.