Tiny deposits on egg

[BurbCoop]

How much calcium do they need in their diet and what is too much?

There is not a set amount, each hen will require different levels. What to watch out for is forced calcium in their feed. Layer feed includes a high percentage of calcium, usually anywhere from 3-5%. Because it is included in the feed, the hens are not able to choose or be selective on how much calcium they take in. If additional calcium is added on top of the feed, or in their water, treats, etc., that just adds to the amount of forced calcium intake.

A lower calcium feed with free choice Oyster Shell is usually the recommended approach.

Alternatively, as folks have mentioned, if they are not getting proper water, they are not able to process the calcium which can result in these deposits as well.

Curious, is your Easter Egger laying eggs with those calcium pimples or is it more like a sandpaper egg shell?

 

[Obsessed With Silkies]

There is not a set amount, each hen will require different levels. What to watch out for is forced calcium in their feed. Layer feed includes a high percentage of calcium, usually anywhere from 3-5%. Because it is included in the feed, the hens are not able to choose or be selective on how much calcium they take in. If additional calcium is added on top of the feed, or in their water, treats, etc., that just adds to the amount of forced calcium intake.

A lower calcium feed with free choice Oyster Shell is usually the recommended approach.

Alternatively, as folks have mentioned, if they are not getting proper water, they are not able to process the calcium which can result in these deposits as well.

Curious, is your Easter Egger laying eggs with those calcium pimples or is it more like a sandpaper egg shell?

The eggshell is hard like a regular egg should be. Here's some of the eggs she's laid.

 

[BurbCoop]

The eggshell is hard like a regular egg should be. Here's some of the eggs she's laid.

Yeah, definitely too much calcium. How is their water situation, what feed are you giving them, and any supplements that may have calcium in them?

 

[Obsessed With Silkies]

Yeah, definitely too much calcium. How is their water situation, what feed are you giving them, and any supplements that may have calcium in them?

Their water is fine, we've been giving layer feed. It's calcium levels are min. 3.00% max. 4.00%.

 

[BurbCoop]

Their water is fine, we've been giving layer feed. It's calcium levels are min. 3.00% max. 4.00%.

So it might be worth trying a Grower Feed or All Flock with free access to Oyster Shell on the side. See if that helps her.

 

[Obsessed With Silkies]

So it might be worth trying a Grower Feed or All Flock with free access to Oyster Shell on the side. See if that helps her.

Thank you. I'm considering switching anyway because I recently discovered roosters can't have layer feed so I'm going to check my local feed stores and see what they have.

 

[BurbCoop]

Thank you. I'm considering switching anyway because I recently discovered roosters can't have layer feed so I'm going to check my local feed stores and see what they have.

Yep, definitely. Sounds like the perfect time to make the change then Keep us updated, always like to hear the outcomes with tests/experiments like this

 

[ChicFil- A]

How much calcium do they need in their diet and what is too much?

I buy a product at TSC called pasteurized oyster shell, I just put it in their feed and they suggest leaving it in a container so it’s available freely for the hens.

 

[ChicFil- A]

Thank you. I'm considering switching anyway because I recently discovered roosters can't have layer feed so I'm going to check my local feed stores and see what they have.

I was not aware roosters needed a different feed, I’ll need to look into this because We have just gotten a beautiful Sapphire Gem cockerel and i’ll need to add something.

 

[Obsessed With Silkies]

I was not aware roosters needed a different feed, I’ll need to look into this because We have just gotten a beautiful Sapphire Gem cockerel and i’ll need to add something.

Here's the link to the question I asked about that and what people said I should feed
Thread 'Layer feed not for roosters!?! What should I feed?' https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/layer-feed-not-for-roosters-what-should-i-feed.1573387/