Single hen

[SillyClucker]

Hi Everyone,

 

Our three chooks are just over 2 years old and appear in fine health (touches wood like mad). Two of them have just gone through a mini moult and have grown new feathers back. They are fed Marriages Layers Mash, sometimes given to them as a wet mash as an extra. They get a handful of corn from time to time and green kitchen s"Ooops, word censored!"s. They free range in their own area which has been reduced to just a dirt patch because they have eaten all the grass including the roots

 

Problem is that we're getting 1 soft shell egg per day which invariably gets broken. I don't know if its one just laying or they are laying alternately, so difficult to tell especially when two go into the eglu to lay at the same time. There is plenty of grit in their feed and when they are fed wet mash a lot must be taken on board. I have also thrown grit and oyster shells into their run for them to take up as they range.

 

Has anyone got experience of this and have some tips to pass on. As i say they seem healthy but i don't want an egg to break inside. Also with all the effort thay go through to lay if there if a simple solution then their efforts won't be wasted.

 

Thanks for any suggestions, Chris

[stoice]

I use Marriages layers pellets and also have a softie laying girl although I don't think that is connected. Every other day I mix some limestone flour into some pellets with water (A sprinkle really but about a teaspoon?) to make a porridge. Or you could put Davinova C in the water. It usually helps Babs with her softie problem; not always though, sometimes I think it's just one of those things. She's about 18 months-2 years old I think (ex-batt)

 

The porridge is also great for sneaking in other things like baked egg shell, cod liver oil or poultry spice; plus treats like tuna, sweetcorn or raisins.

 

Hope this helps.

[SillyClucker]

oh yes thank you for reminding me, we do put baked egg shell in with a little boiled rice. Do you happen to kow the best place to get the limestone and the water additive?

 

Thanks for your reply

[stoice]

I got my lime stone flour from ebay (Reptile retailers sell it) and you can get Davinova C from here

[kirbyhouse]

Hi,

 

Popcorn has been laying softies for ages now and she is about 2 yrs old. Apart from that she is very happy. Going through a moult so checking via another link about whats best but I'm sure yours is fine.

 

Sal

[SillyClucker]

I am summising that the ingredients for making shell may well be used for the new feathers and the priority is given to the feathers especially with winter coming on.