What’s happening to her eggs

[Nolagurl1956]

2x GC-Raptor - Cut out all treats, keep Oyster Shells in a separate dish. I rarely saw my girls eat but had to refill so they must have been eating. I feed Flock Raiser, stopped feeding layer years ago. There was a thread about upping the protein which made sense.

I read something about Flock Raiser being used primarily for meat birds. Any thoughts?

 

[ChickNanny13]

No clue about that. Just reading thread in the forums about feeding, some say the extra calcium in layer isn't good for chicks & roos. Feeding according to age makes it harder for those with mixed (aged) flocks. So some just feed one feed for all with the extra Oyster Shells on the side for the hen to eat as needed. Roos & young ones may be curious & try it but that's it.

It also made sense to me, knowing how a hens reproductive system works, takes alot of energy. So makes sense needing more protein instead of less to replace the protein in an egg.

 

[aart]

Cut out all the scraps and fruits for 10 days.
If eggs improve, you've overdone the treats. If not, something else is wrong. GC

This^^^says it all, and is the first thing to try.

I read something about Flock Raiser being used primarily for meat birds. Any thoughts?

Nope, many here use it, with Oyster Shells in a separate container..especially those with multi gender and aged flocks.

 

[Nolagurl1956]

This^^^says it all, and is the first thing to try.

Nope, many here use it, with Oyster Shells in a separate container..especially those with multi gender and aged flocks.

Ok, will try it and try to find something smaller than a 50 lb bag. I only have two Wyandottes, both the same age and very very limited storage space.

Is it okay to supplement with meal worm for the extra protein right now?

 

[Nolagurl1956]

No clue about that. Just reading thread in the forums about feeding, some say the extra calcium in layer isn't good for chicks & roos. Feeding according to age makes it harder for those with mixed (aged) flocks. So some just feed one feed for all with the extra Oyster Shells on the side for the hen to eat as needed. Roos & young ones may be curious & try it but that's it.

It also made sense to me, knowing how a hens reproductive system works, takes alot of energy. So makes sense needing more protein instead of less to replace the protein in an egg.

Just two hens. Stopped the extras yesterday. Thanks again.

 

[Nolagurl1956]

Thanks for the suggestions. I’d be lost without the wisdom of you all and Backyard Chickens.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Ok, will try it and try to find something smaller than a 50 lb bag.

When I only had my 3 Golden Comets. I would buy this. . It's readily available in a 25# bag at my Local TSC. It's Non-Medicated in the Gold bag, 18% Protein. I offered Oyster Shells separately.
The Flock Raiser is only available in 5 and 50 pound bags at my TSC.
A 50# bag would spoil before your two hens finished it. I keep feed in my house, especially important during hot/humid weather. GC

 

[ChickNanny13]

When I only had my 3 Golden Comets. I would buy this.View attachment 1835604. It's readily available in a 25# bag at my Local TSC. It's Non-Medicated in the Gold bag, 18% Protein. I offered Oyster Shells separately. The Flock Raiser is only available in 5 and 50 pound bags at my TSC.
A 50# bag would spoil before your two hens finished it. I keep feed in my house, especially important during hot/humid weather. GC

I need to ask if Dels/TSC sells 25# bags of feed, here. You're correct, I can get Flock Raiser only in 5 & 50lb bags. With only 4 - 6 chickens, it does last awhile (fermenting). One summer I had so many bags with mite in them, humidity can be year round here. I started breaking down the 50lb bag into 2gal zip lock bags (7) and freezing. I take a bag out as I need, defrosting over night in the house with the zip lock open, the condensation evaporates. Have been doing this for about 2yrs, so far no problems. It's not the best solution but when living on an island and not having choices

 

[aart]

One summer I had so many bags with mite in them, humidity can be year round here.

Get grain mites here too during summer, it's the only thing that DE is good for.
Mix some in as you split the bag up.

 

[ChickNanny13]

@aart Thank you for the info

Dels/TSC here only carries Medicated Chick Starter 25# or 50#