SOFT SHELL FROM 7 MOS OLD PULLUT

[maggieandotis]

Hi!

I have (5) 7 month old pullets that were all hatched the same day. The dad was Rhode Island Red and the moms were Buff Orpington. All of my hens started laying beautiful eggs mid August. One of the hens (can't figure out which one), however, just started laying a very thin shelled egg this last week. The flock is on Modesto Milling, no-Soy, no-Corn, Organic Layer pellets (protein 17% and Oyster 3.8%) with free access to oyster shells. I also put probiotic/enzyme powder in their water. Their treats are limited (a handful of scratch a day with an occasional spinach or whatever veggie I have that I need to get rid of). Everyone looks and acts healthy. Any idea why one of my hens might be having trouble? They all look healthy and happy and no signs of molting.

molting that I can tell.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

@maggieandotis I understand your concern as I've dealt with this with some of my pullets and even as hens. Your birds are still young and their bodies are still working out all of the kinks that come with laying eggs. How many eggs have been soft shelled? It's best if you can find out who is laying which egg so you'll know if one of your pullets is having some problems or if it's just a new layer adjustment. If you can figure out who is laying the soft shelled eggs and it continues, it'd be a good idea to give her an extra Calcium supplement. Unfortunately it's not a good idea to give this to everyone because excess calcium can be hard on the kidneys (why it's NOT recommended for birds that don't lay to eat layer feed, although some do and report no problems). Many of the knowledgeable folks here (i'm not included but I am soaking up all that I can from them) would advise that you cut out the scratch and any treats. Young birds, especially pullets, need the correct balanced diet and anything other than a balanced feed, is taking away from what's best for them. Each bird shouldn't get any more then 2T of treats daily, and that's the max, not ideal. I know it feels good to see them excited about treats but anytime something concerning arises, it's best they're getting good feed.

I'll tag some folks that are very knowledgeable about feed (there are so many brilliant people here! Aren't we lucky to have them?)
@Kiki @EggSighted4Life @Eggcessive

 

[Kiki]

Stop feeding treats.
Feed the complete balanced layer feed only.

 

[Eggcessive]

Have you ever noticed any of your birds with a sneeze in the past? Infectious bronchitis can cause egg shell problems, and it can sometimes be a mild case that may go unnoticed. I would give this bird 1/2 calcium tablet with D3 such as Caltrate for a few days to see if it helps. Some birds may have a problem with the shell gland in the oviduct. Stress can also cause egg shell abnormalities. My hens enjoy eating their egg shells, crushed finely and fed back to them. That is pure calcium. Hopefully, this is just a temporary problem.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I have (5) 7 month old pullets that were all hatched the same day. The dad was Rhode Island Red and the moms were Buff Orpington. All of my hens started laying beautiful eggs mid August. One of the hens (can't figure out which one), however, just started laying a very thin shelled egg this last week. The flock is on Modesto Milling, no-Soy, no-Corn, Organic Layer pellets (protein 17% and Oyster 3.8%) with free access to oyster shells. I also put probiotic/enzyme powder in their water.

Lovely dual purpose birds!

Maybe one is getting ready to mini-molt and the system is hicupping.

That rooster shouldn't be eating layer feed.. ideally.

What is this enzyme in the water? Always or how often?

Is the scratch also organic and corn free? What is the protein/fat content? They likely need more protein/amino acids.. I know shells are calcium related.. but to me, it's ALL relative. Consider mixing starter with the layer to get a happier long term medium... and continue offering the oyster shell free choice. Crushed egg shell is a fine choice and usually very palatable.. NOT too fine.. it should be large source to slow it's passing through the gizzard to fast to be absorbed, *usually*.

Do a parasite check after dark using a flashlight.. just for good general practice. Part feathers below the vent and on the abdomen and look for crawlies running away.. is the easiest way to see the whole story.

Hiccup is the most likely culprit.

Hope it resolves quickly!

 

[maggieandotis]

@EggSighted4Life @Kiki @Eggcessive @HeatherKellyB Thank you all so much! I really appreciate the feedback.

It has been a total of (3-4) eggs that have been soft.

The scratch is organic but does contain the occasional corn kernel. However, I did not feed them any scratch/treets today because I figured I would start ruling things out (process of elimination). Glad to know that I was on the right track with this logic.

I had dry pox in my flock Mid August and so got an enzyme/probiotic that I still mix in with their water which I change out every other day. It is called Hen Boost. https://www.chewy.com/animal-health...KtfauXO5Nu9nMDz35eIfvkDnhddPDQlxoCIiUQAvD_BwE

I will try crushing up their egg shells and add it to the oyster shells.

I will scan for bugs at night tonight. In the past, there was one hen who I think was making a sneezing sound on occasion but I haven't heard her recently and she seems SUPER healthy. I am out there a lot because I love checking in on them and holding them. I really haven't heard her do this lately at all but will pay more attention.

I think I have narrowed it down to two hens. I will try to narrow it down to the one gal and give her a calcium tablet and some D3. My question is for this, how? I am new at this... Do they come in drops?

Thank you all SO much!

 

[Kiki]

Stop feeding scratch period.

 

[Kiki]

@EggSighted4Life @Kiki @Eggcessive @HeatherKellyB Thank you all so much! I really appreciate the feedback.

It has been a total of (3-4) eggs that have been soft.

The scratch is organic but does contain the occasional corn kernel. However, I did not feed them any scratch/treets today because I figured I would start ruling things out (process of elimination). Glad to know that I was on the right track with this logic.

I had dry pox in my flock Mid August and so got an enzyme/probiotic that I still mix in with their water which I change out every other day. It is called Hen Boost. https://www.chewy.com/animal-health-solutions-hen-boost/dp/233928?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=f&utm_content=Animal Health Solutions&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAiA-f78BRBbEiwATKRRBP-FCKpGnLrmROlhM13VDQKtfauXO5Nu9nMDz35eIfvkDnhddPDQlxoCIiUQAvD_BwE

I will try crushing up their egg shells and add it to the oyster shells.

I will scan for bugs at night tonight. In the past, there was one hen who I think was making a sneezing sound on occasion but I haven't heard her recently and she seems SUPER healthy. I am out there a lot because I love checking in on them and holding them. I really haven't heard her do this lately at all but will pay more attention.

I think I have narrowed it down to two hens. I will try to narrow it down to the one gal and give her a calcium tablet and some D3. My question is for this, how? I am new at this... Do they come in drops?

Thank you all SO much!

Human pills from your local grocery store will work.
I think there are pictures in my album of a few different types.
BRB with links to them.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/albums/poultry-products.7428261/page-2

 

[Kiki]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/img_20180609_113727.7904357/full

 

[Kiki]

Try this link:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/img_20180609_113813.7904355/