soft-shelled eggs 5 days in a row...make it 6!

[mychickensrock]

We've found 5 now. They are never in the nesting box. One right under the roost, 2 in the coop, and 2 on the floor in the run. I have brought who I think is laying them inside for the night. All of our girls have free access to oyster shell. This particular girl has laid regular eggs. Maybe a month ago, she had a prolapsed vent. Got that taken care of and she has even laid regular eggs since then. Since we already give them oyster shells, what else can we do to get those shells hard again? Also, the soft eggs are always broken open. Usually we just find the shell. Last 2 days, they've just been opened, but yolk still inside. Ideas? Thoughts?

ETA: She started laying in August.

 

[ghillie]

I was stold to give a little bit of cod liver oil. I would dip little pieces of bread in it to get her to eat it. It is supposed to help get them in sync? Worked for my girl.....

 

[mychickensrock]

I thought the oils were to "get things moving". She's laying like clockwork, just pitiful, weak shells.

 

[chickenlady]

Sounds like an absorption problem. Try vitamins. I use avia charge 2000 daily in the drinking water.

 

[mychickensrock]

where does one buy chickie vitamins? i've also read that you can give them poly-vi-sol for kids. is that right? would the vitamins be bad for all the other chickens who are laying just fine.

 

[chickenlady]

Vitamins are great for any chicken, anytime. You can find avia charge 2000 online at hatcheries and chicken supply sights. You can use poly-vi-sol in a pinch but it is not a long term suppliment. Look for poly-vi-sol without iron and give it for a week. I'm sure if you do a search on here you will find the correct dosage. I have given 2-3 drops a couple times a day for a week but everyone has their own dosage that they go by.

 

[BawkinOnTheBench]

Quote:
Thanks! That makes sense. Same problem here but no prolapse issues - just soft eggs and then none from one hen. The last ones we found were nothing but soft, wrinkled shell - like a big raisin! And they couldn't have eaten it - we found it under the roost in the morning, and all the chickens were still on it because it was still dark.

 

[BawkinOnTheBench]

Do you know if its OK to mix the vitamens with Apple Cider vinegar too?

 

[al6517]

Quote:
The acids in the vinagar may dilute the effectivness of the vitamins.

 

[chickenlady]

Another reason for poor absorption of mineral and vitamins could be worms. Have you wormed before?