emmaw298 Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 I've not had a good week with the eggs this week. I've had my 4 ex batts for 5 weeks now and after an initial blip, they've been laying very well - usually get 20-22 eggs per week and usually 1 softie ofrshell-less egg per week. But this week, their production has gone right down to about 10 eggs and I've been getting a softie every day (like a rubbery deflated balloon with a yolk next to it). I've been adding poultry spice in most days and have wormed them last week with flubenvet. They have also had a bit of loose droppings so i've been adding some bokashi bran the last few days. When I visited a chicken store yesterday and enquired about davinova C, the lady told me that this numbe of sofites was normal for ex batts and no amount of calcium would improve this as they were probably just 'coming to end of season'. she also informed me that I could be overdosing them on calcium if i give them davinova and poultry spice together. Has anyone heard of overdosing on calcium and what is 'end of season'?? any advice on whether I should give more calcium? I should also add that they have mixed grit daily and I've already cut out their treats this last week in order to ensure they're just getting the mash and pellets. I know the odd softie is inevitable, particularly being ex batts but its more for their wellbeing that I want to ensure that they're not deficient in anything. Help please! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 Ignore her. Get some Limestone flour, available at Equestrian shops, and stir a spoonful into their pellets. About a good dsp per grub. Soft eggs are difficult to lay and the hen may feel quite poorly with it. They also need calcium for the muscular contractions required for the pushing out of the egg. If they haven't got enough, they start leeching it out of their bones and could end up with fractures. Give the Limestone flour a try for a couple of weeks, and I'm sure you will see an improvement. Or if you prefer you could try a product called **Zolcal**. This, in addition to Calcium, also contains magnesium and Vit D, and is very similar to Shelstim, which we all used to swear by, but is no longer available. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 I followed Egluntines advice regarding limestone flour even before we were getting any eggs and we have only ever had one soft shelled egg. I mix it with the morning layers mash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 I, too, followed Eglutine's advice re limestone flour and have not had a softie from Laverne since Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emmaw298 Posted February 24, 2008 Author Share Posted February 24, 2008 thanks for this guys.. I had a hunch that the advice I had been given wasn't quite right and as you say egluntine it isnt very nice for the chicken that is laying the softy is it? they all do seem well in themselves but obviously something is lacking as there is this sudden change. will track down some limestone flour. thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 You can get it in small quantities from Ebay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 I got mine from the local horsey shop - 4 KG for about £4.50. I have been using it for a while now but still get the occasional softy - i might need to up the dose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...