Weak shelled eggs

[Tlu]

Hello my 2 yr old Emden is laying very soft eggs as well as rubber eggs. I had her seen by an avian vet after one broke on the way out with a partial shell dangling from her. She took antibiotics for 10 days now since has laid a couple yolkless rubber eggs and a couple very thin shelled. She’s on a layer food approved by the vet, with extra ground up egg shells since she no longer eats freely available oyster shell. I’ve taken away the kiddie pools when her mate shares the yard, hoping the inability to mate with her 14 yr old (still has it) gander will decrease egg production? Is there any safe hormone treatment to stop her laying? I adore this bird and am deeply concerned. Thanks to all.

 

[gooseapplefarms]

I would try reducing her feed. Geese should eat mostly grass anyway, and if they're overweight they can have fertility problems. Otherwise, I think it's genetics. Embden were bred to grow fast and be eaten.

 

[Goosebaby]

Do not reduce her feed. She is an Embden, one of the largest breeds which has high nutritional requirements.

Most layer feed is around 17% protein, which is very low even for some chicken breeds, so for a 17+ pound goose that is even lower. Heavy weight breeds often require something in the range of 20% protein.

On top of that calcium is sort of an anti nutrient, it can bind to vitamins and minerals sometimes leading to deficiencies. It’s generally better in my opinion to feed supplemental calcium free choice.

What brand of feed is she on?
What is the calcium percentage?
Does her appetite seem normal?

Usually soft shell eggs are a result of not enough calcium, considering she’s avoiding oystershell that poses an issue, maybe something more is going on internally.

When geese need calcium they usually crave it, but they’ll binge on it in one go and not touch it again for a day or two. if she doesn’t like oystershell does she prefer eggshells?

Letting a goose go broody will stop her from laying.

Suprelorin implants are also an option if something is wrong with her oviduct, chickens that have reproductive issues are given the implant and it does work, but it isn’t a permanent fix and will need to be replaced possibly every year.

 

[JRies]

I would try reducing her feed. Geese should eat mostly grass anyway, and if they're overweight they can have fertility problems. Otherwise, I think it's genetics. Embden were bred to grow fast and be eaten.

Heavy weight geese are bred to grow fast however true maturity is not till year 3. At least with mine. Who are still lighter weight than yours by a few pounds. Its a myth that fast growing heavyweight geese grow quickly they just get to meat weight sooner. There is so much growing they do after that. I have 2 year old girls who are finally laying a good size egg. But still not big enough for the baby inside to reach its full potential.