Weak shells, Broken eggs

[colospgs]

I have an Easter Egger 3+ years old who's eggs have had thin shells for the last year or so. Some broke every now and then. About 6 weeks or so ago there were a couple of her broken eggs in the nest box in a week. Then she quit laying altogether. I did 7 days of the Calcium Citrate +D3. A week after that regimen, she began laying normally again. Now a couple of weeks later the weak shelled broken eggs are back. Does she need the CC+D3 on a more regular basis?

Layer feed, free-choice oyster shell, free range 10-15 hours/week.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Since supplementing calcium fixed the issue, then yes she may need regular supplements during her laying cycle. Probably not daily... but maybe start with every other day or every 3 days, to try and find the minimum dosage she needs to meet her needs.

For long term usage you might want to switch to calcium carbonate which is slower acting and thus less "spiky" than the boost from calcium citrate.

 

[FarmerGirl101]

I agree with regular supplementing of calcium citrate + d3 throughout her laying cycle. Is she the only one in the flock like this? I think supplementing her on a schedule is the way to go but also what are you feeding her? I only ask because sometimes nutrition can play a role in thin egg shells.