Weak shells

[Sherre]

Hi, I'm Sherre. I have nine chickens at the present. There are 3 red hens I inherited (they are about 2 years old) and 6 Americanas that I purchased as babies last spring. I have 1 of the Americanas that is laying currently and the 3 red girls. One of the red girls gives me eggs that have very weak shells. In fact, she put out one yesterday that was a real head scratcher...the yolk, the white and the membrane was there, but no shell. I feed pellets that supposed to help with their shells. I also give them oyster shell calcium on the side. They get vitamins in their water and I give them freeze dried meal worms and boon worms. Any ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm new to having chickens; relatives had them when I was a kid. Help!!! I don't know what to do to resolve this issue.

 

[CindyinSD]

You can try feeding them back their own shells. Maybe your thin-shell girl doesn’t enjoy the oyster shell. Crush and (if desired) bake at lowest setting until dry.

I’m assuming this is a new layer? Sometimes it takes them some time/practice to get all the egg-laying mechanics worked out. I had that problem with a few of my new layers last fall. It can also happen if they’re just getting back to laying after a break such as molting, winter, stress, etc.

 

[rosemarythyme]

With the oyster shell, do you actually see them eating it? Some birds may not want to eat it. If you know which specific bird is having issues, you can try giving her additional calcium supplements to see if that helps. For my one bird that has shell issues, I toss her in my brooder and feed her a small private breakfast of fermented feed, like maybe just 1 Tbsp, mixed with some oyster shell, 3x a week. As soon as she eats all she's free to come out and eat with the other birds.

 

[CindyinSD]

You could also boil up an extra egg and crush it whole as a special treat for her. Maybe half or a third, refrigerate between feeding her daily portions. (If you know which one she is) Otherwise, make enough for everyone. They’ll love you forever.