Thin shells from snitching chick starter😡

[LizzzyJo]

I had a feeling my buff Orpington had been snitching baby food from my broody’s babies feeder. Today it was confirmed by her translucent egg that I can squeeze (see the crack). This candling is in broad daylight. Even with free ranging she needs to get calcium from her layer feed because she’s too dumb to catch bugs/frogs like the others I guess I’ll have to buy oyster shell for the first time in years. Dumb girl. Dumb.
Thoughts?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Mine get chick starter all the time. That alone doesn't make thin shells, especially if they have free choice access to oyster shells.

If it's hot where you are at, and your hens are panting it can interfere with the uptake and use of calcium.

Adding things like vinegar can also cause problems in the heat with calcium absorption.

Things like respiratory infections can affect eggshell strength.

Hens can run out of reserves as the season wears on, especially if they produce a lot of eggs.

 

[LizzzyJo]

Mine get chick starter all the time. That alone doesn't make thin shells, especially if they have free choice access to oyster shells.

If it's hot where you are at, and your hens are panting it can interfere with the uptake and use of calcium.

Adding things like vinegar can also cause problems in the heat with calcium absorption.

Things like respiratory infections can affect eggshell strength.

Hens can run out of reserves as the season wears on, especially if they produce a lot of eggs.

Their layer feed has oyster shell in it but I don’t have it alone. They normally eat bugs free ranging. It has been terrrrribly hot here. Thanks for letting me know that could contribute. Right now it’s only her. The shells have calcium deposits on them. I don’t use ACV or anything.
What else can I do for her?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Not much you can do because of the heat. Generally it resolves itself.

The calcium deposits can happen because she's getting too much calcium from a layer ration.

The chick starter is more appealing because it has a higher protein generally than a layer has.

 

[aart]

How old is this bird?
The feed has actual oyster shell pieces in it?

Deep all day shade is best but....I don't have much of that.
This has worked very well to keep heat stress/stroke at bay:

I give a dose of Sav-a-Chick electrolytes/vitamins about once a week during heat waves.
It really seems to help....started this after they saved a heat stroked hen once.
Can mix up a smaller amount, just wrap the packet tight and store in a dry cool place.
Always have plain water available too.

BIG(9x14x2") chunks of ice last all day for wading, sitting, and sipping.
Much more useful to the chickens than frozen foods and treats.

Make space in your freezer!

 

[LizzzyJo]

How old is this bird?
The feed has actual oyster shell pieces in it?

Deep all day shade is best but....I don't have much of that.
This has worked very well to keep heat stress/stroke at bay:

I give a dose of Sav-a-Chick electrolytes/vitamins about once a week during heat waves.
It really seems to help....started this after they saved a heat stroked hen once.
Can mix up a smaller amount, just wrap the packet tight and store in a dry cool place.
Always have plain water available too.

BIG(9x14x2") chunks of ice last all day for wading, sitting, and sipping.
Much more useful to the chickens than frozen foods and treats.

Make space in your freezer!

The oyster shell is crushed up in their mash, yes. She’s 1.5 years old. I have some ‘chicken Gatorade’ as we call it. I will give them some. Thanks!