Weak shells still and not laying well at all.

[sdbuffedgirls]

So my buff girls are a little over two years old and had been laying quite well. I have gone through a brooding hen, understand that now. Have also gone through a molting time with them, not all the hens, so understand that sorta. Have had weak shells for quite a while now, added extra feeder with oyster shell like recommended. But still having weak shells and egg production is really low, I have 4 hens and only getting 2 good eggs every few days with a weak shell one in the midst. I am noticing a bit of feather loss, how often do they molt, can't see any bugs, checked there tummy's nothing seems abnormal. I am scratching my head they were real productive, are they getting old, I wouldn't think so but.... Anymore ideas would be great and maybe this is just normal these girls are my first hens so not all that experienced so would love input. Love my buff girls, such personality. HELP

 

[chfite]

Chickens generally molt annually. Check them carefully for lice or mites as these pests drain the chickens making them weak and unproductive. My chickens that are three years old don't lay as often, but do so every other day or so.

Chris

 

[Kelsie2290]

Sorry you are having problems with your girls. Are they actually weak/thin shelled eggs, or are they shell-less eggs, just a membrane? What are you feeding them as their regular feed? Have you tried actually feeding them extra calcium (not just having oyster shell available)? It sounds like some of them are still molting? It will take quite a while to go through a full molt and start back into normal production, and some hens will do partial molts. A good article on molting. http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/217/moulting-a-natural-process Are they all in good weight and act normal otherwise? You might double check for mites/lice, use a magnifying glass and be sure to check the coop/roosts at night for mites that don't stay on the chickens.