Thin Shelled Eggs

[3 Chicks]

Hello!

I have a 2 1/2 year old barred rock who's been an amazing egg layer up until now. She molted its fall/winter and has never been the same. She consistently lays eggs with shells so thin, they break when I go to pick them up. Or, they're already broken when I get to them in the nesting box. I've given her lots of ground oyster shell and she's on the same layer feed as always. She gets scraps....and I've tried to up her protein and calcium. However, nothing has worked.

I only have 3 chickens. So, if 1 isn't laying viable eggs, that's a problem! What am I missing? Is there anything you've seen work with your girls that I should try?

 

[Loghousemom]

I wish I had some helpful advice. I usually try all the same things that you have tried. I did have a barred rock that just stopped laying at 2 1/2. Then a few months later she just died in her sleep. I had another that started laying soft shelled eggs for about 6 months before she finally went one afternoon while napping in the sun. She was bought at the same time and lived until this spring. She would have been almost 4 I believe. Maybe it is just age? yes, I do know that good healthy birds can live much longer, but I sometimes wonder when we get them from certain hatcheries.

I hope someone has a good answer or idea for you.

 

[3 Chicks]

Thanks for he response. Maybe it's just age, then? Of course she's my favorite. It'll be sad if she goes.

 

[Stiggy]

I could be an age thing but I would try giving them extras, you've done well to give them extra grit, so as long as that's ways accessible then you could try other things. Try giving them more calcium in cheese scraps/ grated/ soft cheeses It will boost them up also meat scraps are great and if you don't think there getting enough then mince/pet mince/ dog role can be a Great option