4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[bonesjones]

We have had the chickens for about a week now, we have kept them in their eglu and run for most of this time, however they are now freeranging around the garden and it has been a real joy to see them searching for worms and things. They help me with my gardening and sit waiting for me to turn the soil. We have had two good eggs which have been delicious. However one of the chickens is causing concern as her shells are extremely thin and break when then touch the ground. We have put a lot of oyster grit out for them and are at a loss.. Also some of her poohs have appeared frothy.. we wondered if it is because she is still young and is new to laying. Any advice would be welcomed.

[tidygirlsuk]

it seems quite common on here that poo's can be a bit strange to start with. It happened to me too, with all of mine. I haven't had soft shells but i bake egg shells in oven for about 30 mins at 180, then crush them in pestle and mortar, and put a teaspoon into grub now and then. I've read on her people have done this after getting softies and they go back to normal the next day. hope this helps.

Edited April 15, 2009 by Guest

[quickcluck]

Yup crushed egg shells are good along with grit or limestone flour!

[Egluntyne]

Dodgy shells aren't unusual when a hen is new to laying.

 

 

If she has been free ranging, she may have over done it on the vegetation, which can give them the squitts until they become accustomed to it. I'd cut back on the free ranging and keep her on just pellets and water for a day or two, adding only bokashi bran and maybe some live probiotic yoghurt, both of which are beneficial.