Softshell laying hen not well. Help!

[Spitfire007]

Hello all,

Got a lady who laid a soft shell egg, part of the shell was hanging out I pulled it gently and I hope I got it all but can't be sure.

She's off colour, drinking a bit and having a stab at food but not much.

She's crouching with bottom slightly in the air. Crop is not completely empty, I'm massaging that and hoping it will clear. Poop is small qty yellowish watery.

It's was very hot last couple of days for UK.

I've only just got her back to full health after the last soft shell, and she hadn't laid for about 3 weeks and the laid a lovely egg 3 days ago. And now this.

What should I do for her please?

Thank you.

 

[LaFleche]

You can give her a daily calcium citrate 600 +vitamin D tablet for several days which will help her build stronger egg shells and to expel whatever residues she might have left in her oviduct.
Add some vitamin c to her diet as well.

Does she have crushed oyster shells and granite grit available free choice?

 

[Spitfire007]

Hello, thank you for your response.

Is that Calcium Citrate 600mg? I have 400mg Calcium Carbonate plus Vit D, so I'll get the right ones.

How much vit c can I give her? I have plenty of that.

I don't have oyster shell, as I wasn't sure about the heavy metals, is that a thing?

I can certainly get that too, if necessary.

Thanks again.

 

[LaFleche]

Is that Calcium Citrate 600mg? I have 400mg Calcium Carbonate plus Vit D, so I'll get the right ones.

Citrate works much better.

How much vit c can I give her? I have plenty of that.

Just a pinch daily in their fresh water.

I don't have oyster shell, as I wasn't sure about the heavy metals, is that a thing?

Yes, they need additional calcium or else they get osteoporosis and will not be able to form proper egg shells.

 

[Spitfire007]

Thank you for all your advice, that's incredibly helpful.