Soft shelled egg

[Wrigs8]

I have an Easter egger who consistently lays soft shell eggs. She is a great layer and consistently lays eggs, but they are always soft shelled. Sometimes the shell is so soft the shell crumbles when I pick it up, sometimes its rubbery, but most of the time it breaks in the egg box right after she lays. Is there anything I can do for her?? She does have access to oyster shells at all times. Thanks for any help.

 

[Kiki]

I have an Easter egger who consistently lays soft shell eggs. She is a great layer and consistently lays eggs, but they are always soft shelled. Sometimes the shell is so soft the shell crumbles when I pick it up, sometimes its rubbery, but most of the time it breaks in the egg box right after she lays. Is there anything I can do for her?? She does have access to oyster shells at all times. Thanks for any help.

A lot of times you will see people feeding their flock and all flock type feed or chick feed with oyster shell added on the side...and Still end up with these type of issues. Have you thought about switching to a layer type feed and not giving her a choice on whether or not to eat added calcium on the side?

 

[Wrigs8]

A lot of times you will see people feeding their flock and all flock type feed or chick feed with oyster shell added on the side...and Still end up with these type of issues. Have you thought about switching to a layer type feed and not giving her a choice on whether or not to eat added calcium on the side?

She is on Purina layer feed. I keep a dish of oyster shells on the side for them to eat as needed. I am careful with the treats as I've had problems in the past. The other hens (eggs) are fine, its just this one hen.

 

[Mrs. K]

Egg laying is partially genetic, I would cull her, she is not able to produce shelled eggs in your set up. I don't think there is anything else you can do, that you are not already doing.

 

[Wrigs8]

Egg laying is partially genetic, I would cull her, she is not able to produce shelled eggs in your set up. I don't think there is anything else you can do, that you are not already doing.

thanks so much!! Although that is not what I want to hear

 

[Mrs. K]

Well, it is your call. Some people think that soft shell eggs can lead to egg eating, and some people need every chicken to produce eggs. Some people keep pets, and really don't care about the eggs. To each his/her own way of doing things.
I just don't think you can change this.

 

[Tookie]

Give her calcium citrate with D3 once a day for one week and see if her eggs improve.

 

[Wrigs8]

Well, it is your call. Some people think that soft shell eggs can lead to egg eating, and some people need every chicken to produce eggs. Some people keep pets, and really don't care about the eggs. To each his/her own way of doing things.
I just don't think you can change this.

I appreciate your honesty. I know it may not be what I want but it may be the best thing. Such is life. Thank you for your thoughts and honest opinion.

 

[Wrigs8]

Give her calcium citrate with D3 once a day for one week and see if her eggs improve.

I saw this recommendation posted on another thread. I will look into this. Thank you

 

[rosemarythyme]

Give her calcium citrate with D3 once a day for one week and see if her eggs improve.

x2. Doesn't hurt to try and it'll let you know if this is something that can be addressed by supplementing calcium, or if it doesn't work, then you know the problem is internal in this particular bird.