Soft shell or no Shell-HELP

[kmamaral]

I have 16 hens, but one of my hens is constantly laying soft or no-shell eggs. She lays a normal egg 1-2 days in a row, then will lay a soft shell or no shell egg at night. She is about 9-10months old, been laying since about 7month. She is a New Hampshire red hen. She did contract Croyza and was treated by a vet with antibiotics. I am aware that I need to now have a closed flock and will treat symptoms with my flock as needed. All hens get treated if any one of them show severe symptoms. So far, I have only had to treat my flock once, with 1-2 addition hens showing mild symptoms. My vet says that the Croyza should not affect shell of the eggs. The hens have access to oyster shells, we live on a well with high calcium. I do have a rooster, so I feed an all flock feed. Everyone is free range all day long, get lots of fresh veggies and a little fruit. How can I treat this one hen that just continues to produce no shell or super soft shell eggs? I am only getting maybe 1-3 eggs a week that are normal from her. I live in CA, so weather has been nice 80-100 degrees this summer

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Eggs with no shells happen for a few reasons. Generally eggs are being pushed out before the shell can be applied. It can be caused by stress, or even just releasing multiple ovum. They also are seen more when hens are starting to lay again or when they are starting to shut down.

Be sure to offer oyster shells free choice. They use calcium not only for the shell, but calcium helps to keep muscles smooth and everything working correctly.

If eggs are dropped mostly at night I would check for night time visitors like rodents or predators.

Hopefully it will eventually stop happening. It can take pullets a few months to get more regulated, and get used to all the new sensations that go along with making and laying eggs.