The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: funnella on January 22, 2018, 05:49:16 pm

Title: Soft/membrane Eggs
Post by: funnella on January 22, 2018, 05:49:16 pm

I acquired 3 POLs in September and they were laying fine for two months, they all of a sudden, one stopped altogether, one carried on and the other has started laying soft/membrane eggs (See photo).

I haven't changed anything to do with their environment, they have layers pellets freely available, a handful of corn every other day, some kitchen scraps e.g. bread soaked in water and stale biscuits.  They are completely free range but also have a handful of oyster grit every other day.  I know it is common for one or two when they first start laying, but this has gone on for a month and a half now!  I have tried adding vitamin supplements to their water and their feed, but nothing has helped, I am at a loss as what to try next ... any ideas?

Title: Re: Soft/membrane Eggs
Post by: Anke on January 23, 2018, 08:35:42 pm

Someone will be along shortly and tell you that you are not allowed to feed kitchen scraps to poultry....


My poultry have grit (incl oystershell) available in a wee feeder, and it is topped up regularly. I see them using it all the time, so I would put a permanent dish with it in their run.


But tbh, if this has gone on a for a while it may be time to cull... soft shelled eggs will just encourage them start eating them, and that is a difficult habit to stop.

Title: Re: Soft/membrane Eggs
Post by: funnella on January 23, 2018, 08:46:42 pm

Thanks Anke, do you think it'll get better on it's own, any ideas as to why this is happening?  I can stop them eating their eggs, that's an easy problem to solve.  Do I hold out for another month to see if things get better?

Title: Re: Soft/membrane Eggs
Post by: Anke on January 23, 2018, 09:52:00 pm

If this has been going on for over a month already... I personally would call it a day, and get a few more hens in the spring.


I have found it incredibly difficult to stop them eating eggs, as some of them pounce as soon as they are laid... (as a soft-shelled one is often broken as the hen lays it and she then promptly eats it...) Also makes for messy nest boxes and bums.

Title: Re: Soft/membrane Eggs
Post by: funnella on January 23, 2018, 10:20:15 pm

Thanks for the advice.


I learnt years ago to cure my hens of eating their own eggs by blowing out the yolk from a shell and put some English mustard in it and they will not eat anymore. Chilli/hot sauce will not work as the have no taste receptors for that, but they can taste mustard. Works a treat!!