Soft shelled egg

[aart]

Yes they are being fed layer crumbles, scratch grain, grit, mealworms, bok choy and collard greens, and other leafy greens from garden as well as occasionally some scrambled eggs. I do put diatomaceous earth in their treat once a week for worms. I have not seen a soft shelled egg since I created this post but three days ago I noticed what looked like yolk intermixed with one of their droppings.

I would cut all but the layer feed and plain water until all are laying well.
Treats maybe once a week and in moderation.
DE is going to do nothing for internal parasites, cut that out too.

 

[Ebony Rose]

If you absolutely must treat more often than once a week, consider mashed hard boiled eggs, shell and all. A low fat, protein boost that has all of the amino acids that chickens need, Vitamin D, ALL of the B vitamins, calcium. I consider this a guilt-free treat and an eggggcellent way to hide extra vitamins, minerals or medications.

 

[Lizzy733]

Would be pretty near impossible to tell which of the two laid the yolker unless she's also wearing it on her rump feathers. .

Their squatting behavior also changes if they're having laying issues. If you ruff up their saddle feathers, a healthy squatting hen should brace herself - if they are off the lay or feeling ill, they may squat but will likely try to duck your hand and move away. I see this from my on-off broody in her broody bouts, but also saw this in my sick hen that was laying shell-less before she started laying lash eggs.