I keep egg shells in a separate bowl...the chickens go into a frenzy when I put them out. I have a bowl by the stove where I store them to let them dry out and then transfer to a zip lock gallon bag when they are dry, using a rolling pin to crush them into tiny pieces.It sounds like Mable is one tough girl. Ginger has put us through some scares. This has been our first experience raising chickens and they were mostly pets the eggs were just a bonus. We started with 4: a polish, buff, and 2 EE. Ginger is the only one left. A few years ago, we lost our last EE, Phoebe, to a hawk attack. We were adding an extension onto the run and a hawk found the only spot that we did not finish enclosing. Luckily we were home and heard the noise, but we were not able to save Phoebe. The hawk did not get Ginger, but Ginger scraped off the tip of her beak and injured the top of her beak and comb on the chickenwire when she was trying to escape. We hand fed her until her beak healed. The last 2 summers were really hard on her with the egg problems. It took her a while to recover each time where we thought we were going to lose her. That's why I was wondering if I should be changing her feed. We were adding the oyster shell to her feed - but are now keeping it in a seperate dish. Its really helpful to hear from others who have raised seniors. Thank-you for all the info and all the best to your Mable
I worry about Mable too when she is laying eggs. I always know its HER egg because you pick it up and it smooshes in your hand but they are sturdy enough to be laid. I wonder if there is an egg laying supplement...hmmmm That must be scary to have to worry about Ginger in the egg laying season. I know I worry too, when I see Mable off alone trying to lay her egg.
