soft shells , but only a few

[amyward]

I have a mixed flock with several older (3-4 yrs old) and the rest in their second season. 14 total . I am getting approx. 9 eggs a day but a third of them are so soft they rarely make it out of the box.
I am feeding egg producer 21 % protein and have oyster shell in the food tray and on the ground. They do not get to forage and I give about 3/4 cup of black oil sunflower seeds a day. a lot of them have naked necks due to what almost seems like "boredom" pecking. they just let themselves be plucked by the others. They have a very large pen, and no exterior parasites. Any thoughts would be appreciated !

 

[featheredplanets]

Feather plucking? That’s your issue then, imo. If they’re bored, give them some enrichment! Veg on some rope, plants and compost to forage through, a dust bath, release native feeder insects into the run. How big is your coop and run?