The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Carol A on June 17, 2009, 08:19:48 pm

Title: Soft Shell
Post by: Carol A on June 17, 2009, 08:19:48 pm

We've recently purchased 3 Lowman Browns (18-21 weeks) and 3 Black Rocks (16 weeks). We've had 3 eggs up untill last Saturday the first being a double yolker (bonus) although pale as would be expected... ref this site. The problem we have now is that we keep getting soft eggs with no shells (laid at night) and albeit putting grit in the food? we do not know where to go from here. I can appreciate that these are still young ladies but is this the norm? Any advice would be more than welcome.

Title: Re: Soft Shell
Post by: dixie on June 17, 2009, 08:29:23 pm

Hi, when they first lay you get allsorts, tiny eggs, double yolkers and a soft shell. If you're feeding layers pellets and providing grit i wouldn't worry, give them a while to get into a laying routine, my girls occasionally lay a soft egg, that usually gets burst and a hen will grab it and run off with it parading round like its a trophy ;D

Title: Re: Soft Shell
Post by: Wellieboots on June 18, 2009, 11:41:00 am

give them time they'll get it sorted. Imagine learning anything new & how it'll take time to get good at it - smae thing with chooks & egg laying. It must be a bit of a surprise for them at first :chook:

Title: Re: Soft Shell
Post by: Carol A on June 18, 2009, 12:13:59 pm

Thanks for your advice guys I guess its just a case of hurry up and wait.

Title: Re: Soft Shell
Post by: northfifeduckling on June 19, 2009, 01:40:09 pm

just make sure they have oystershell grit at lib and it will sort itself out :&>