Update and question

[Brenda Jones]

Pullets just starting to lay will have strange eggs until the shell gland has worked out the kinks. If you are feeding a good quality layer feed and sufficient water you don't need to start adding calcium to the diet, as too much calcium and other mineral can cause soft shells. I don't get worried unless the problem continues then I start looking at other factors such as stress, overcrowding and diseases. High production breeds will also lay soft/brittle shells. I have Sapphire Gems and though they lay at a good rate, I do get soft/brittle eggs now and again.

https://cluckin.net/why-are-my-chickens-laying-soft-or-thin-shelled-eggs.html

Thank You "theoldchick", the article was very informative

 

[Brenda Jones]

From what I can read and have seen on their website, this is a grower feed 17% crude protein, but with max. 1,3 % calcium not providing enough for already laying hens.

So if you provide an extra dish containing additional calcium free choice they should be alright, once the acute deficiency is overcome.

I have kept a dish of oyster shell mixed with egg shell out for them even before they were laying. They pick at it every once in a while. today I just mixed about a quarter cup of it in their food, just to make sure they are eating it, I also put some kelp mixed in there too. They have become very picky eaters. lol. On my way to the store for more greens. I did put a calcium + Vit. D tablet broken up in about a 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt and all 3 of them devoured it.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

I have kept a dish of oyster shell mixed with egg shell out for them even before they were laying. They pick at it every once in a while. today I just mixed about a quarter cup of it in their food, just to make sure they are eating it, I also put some kelp mixed in there too. They have become very picky eaters. lol. On my way to the store for more greens. I did put a calcium + Vit. D tablet broken up in about a 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt and all 3 of them devoured it.

Mine won’t eat the calcium out of the bowl, but they will pick at it if I throw it onto the ground. You may want to try that. I also save their egg shells and smash them up and throw them on the ground and they love them!

 

[oldhen2345]

Mine won’t eat the calcium out of the bowl, but they will pick at it if I throw it onto the ground. You may want to try that. I also save their egg shells and smash them up and throw them on the ground and they love them!

Mine do the same. If I scatter it around the ground, they eat it. IF not, they act like they don't see the big red container.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

Mine do the same. If I scatter it around the ground, they eat it. IF not, they act like they don't see the big red container.View attachment 2465620View attachment 2465619

Yup, that’s why I just scatter mine around. I don’t even bother putting it in the container anymore. At least I know they are getting enough calcium, especially if I crush up their eggshells and scatter those around too.Mine used to always have problems before until I started doing it this way and if they have an occasional problem I just give them Tums right away because if they have the soft shelled eggs break inside them that can cause big problems.