The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: dubie on September 27, 2010, 09:56:04 pm

Title: chicken eggs not forming right
Post by: dubie on September 27, 2010, 09:56:04 pm

my chickens have been layin fine for 2 years now but 6 of them over the last few weeks their eggs have grown weeker and weeker and now are turning out like their first eggs they are free range but share the 3 acres + (being chickens they just wonder) with  2 horses, 1 pig and 3 sheep what should i do 

HELP HELP HELP HELP HELP HELP HELP HELP !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

Title: Re: chicken eggs not forming right
Post by: sheardale on September 27, 2010, 10:04:49 pm

Add some oyster shell grit to the layers mash and mix it with water.  Any type of grit really does.  But I use the oyster shell. 
Good Luck Helen

Title: Re: chicken eggs not forming right
Post by: darkbrowneggs on September 28, 2010, 12:15:06 am

Are they going into their moult.  If so the shells will often get quite weak, and even some soft shells, then off lay a bit, then more poor shells then hopefully back to normal.  But watch that they dont develop any egg eating habits >:(

All the best
Sue :)

Title: Re: chicken eggs not forming right
Post by: andy harris on September 28, 2010, 06:53:43 am

I get that sometimes i just cook some egg shells for 20 mins crush them up and give it to my hens it seems to do the trick.

Title: Re: chicken eggs not forming right
Post by: Castle Farm on September 28, 2010, 07:56:42 am

Usually a sign of low calcium level, so within reason feed more calcium.

Other than giving them grit, which they may not take or transfer to the shell or feather production, give them a porrage made with milk or water and milk mix in the drinker for a few days just to give them a boost.

Title: Re: chicken eggs not forming right
Post by: dubie on October 02, 2010, 10:26:15 pm

Thanks for ya help i will folloow your advise  ;D