Soft Shells after broody

Minniechickmama

Senora Pollo Loco
14 Years
Sep 4, 2009
7,137
710
471
Minnesota
I have a hen that went broody along with another hen in the same nest. There were two that hatched a few days before the others, so both girls hopped off to play momma. I gave the chicks to one of the girls, and after about 3 weeks of letting her teach them the ropes, I put her back in the pen with the other adults. The other one who didn't momma the chicks started laying again about a week ago, but they are soft shelled eggs, and I keep finding them in the pen. I know it is her because she plopped one out one day when I was checking them. So, is this common? I am figuring it is, but I have never let broodies hatch before.
Thanks.
 
Are they on layer feed? Could be a calcium deficiency. I have one that lays soft shelled eggs, but that is because she got eggbound 3 times about 6-7 months ago and has never been the same since.
 
They get layer ration plus a little calf manna from time to time to boost their protein since some have started dropping a few feathers.

I didn't mention they were Silkies, did I? Imagine, Silkies going broody! Who EVER heard of such a thing?
lol.png
 
Last edited:
I would watch her closely, and see if starts laying semi-normal eggs again. She could start laying normal automatically, but then again, you might see a few more that are too soft. If they continue to stay soft, they do make a liquid calcium that you might try to give her.
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom