Thin/soft shelled eggs from water softener system??

[Pablo&Ladies]

Hello All,
Wondering if anyone has considered that some of the thin/soft shell eggs are the result of a whole house potassium/salt water system? We've got such a system and my bantams, 2 Ameracauna's ages 4,3, are having continuously soft fragile egg shells. The 2 year old's seem okay for now but, I question if their eggs too are changing... I free feed oyster shells but, they do not seem interested in these. I also feed layer feed and limit treats. We know that salt creates calcium loss in humans perhaps chickens as well??? Any feedback or ideas to boost the calcium intake much appreciated.
P.S. The system is needed to keep pipes clear as MA has terribly hard water in areas.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I have a lot of iron in my water and use sodium chloride to soften water.
I have been feeding my 2 year olds a 18% Non-Medicated Start & Grow with Oyster Shells in a separate container since Memorial day. My eggs have strong shells. I haven't gotten a soft shell or thin shelled egg since I switched from a Layers feed.
Are they eating less feed lately? Do they free range all day? Could be they're not getting enough vitamin D and manganese. Two important nutrients besides calcium needed for strong shells.
Chickens also eat less feed in the summer. So combined with older feed. (Feed is less nutritious as it ages). Could be the problem.
Check your feed, is it damp or moldy, does it have a strong smell.
I had feed go bad, a strong smell, at 5 months 1 week past mill date. Stored in my house. Wouldn't last as long if stored outside in shed or coop with Fluctuating temps and humidity.
I also let my feeder get nearly empty monthly in damp or humid weather and clean and refill with fresh feed. GC

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

We've used softened water for 20 years. The only time I see shell less eggs is when hens are starting up or shutting down for the season. We have terrible water here too. I also water all my plants with it, and keep fish tanks.

 

[Pablo&Ladies]

GC-Raptor-
Now that you mention feed I used to use a Game feed at 22% then switched to the Layer feed. I had fewer thin-shelled eggs during that time. They are living in 4, 10x10 pens, plenty of room. Three of the pens have a tarp to limit sun and the third does not. I free range for about 2 hours nearly every day. Hmmm, now tarps are covering 3 pens and may limit sun exposure too much if they do not venture into the 4th pen with sun.
Feed is kept in the basement in an aluminum can. I will check the dates now and be careful to give fresh daily and not combine from the previous day and see if that helps.
Thanks to you and oldhenlikesdogs for your feedback. Will start tweaking a few things starting tomorrow.