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

[Tweety]

I have been feeding all my girls on ex batt crumbs and pellets for the last few weeks, and have noticed that they are laying many more softies than before. I had expected that the opposite would be the case, not that I had many softies on a regular basis, but am just wondering if anyone else has had the same problem? It may just be coincidence - or the fact that the girls are getting older - but I am wondering whether I should go back to their original food with the occasional limestone flour supplement as they were having before. Any ideas anyone?

[Lewis]

If you have some, use Limestone Flour or ground up cuttlefish, or you could buy some as it is only cheap.

See if it works with the BHWT food, and if it doesn't get any better, I'd switch back.

[Budgies]

I wonder if your girls actually need the additional minerals and vitamins that will be present in the ex-Batt mix?

 

It's possible that the calcium/phospherous balance your girls need is best provided by layers pellets or meal rather than the ex-batt stuff.

 

I'd be inclined to switch back, I think.

[buffie]

I'd suggest you ring the careline to let them put your mind at rest. The food wouldn't cause softies so perhaps see what they have to say as to cause/suggestions 01362 822904

 

I wouldn't add supplements just speak to them about it.

 

Buffie x

[Chook n Boo Mum]

Gosh I hope that's not the case, I'm changing to the BHWT food to STOP the softies - 2 again today!!

 

By the end of next week they will be totally on the ex-batt food, as we are finishing off the pellets & mash we already have in the bins alongside the first pack of the new stuff. The old food is supplemented with limestone flour & garlic powder, the ex-batt pellets aren't. If after a couple of weeks of being on the ex-batt mix I still have softies maybe I'll add the limestone flour again

 

Sha x

[Tweety]

Thanks everyone. I have spoken to the careline, and they are as baffled as I am. They would have expected the shells to get stronger rather than softer, as did I. They asked if anything had happened recently to cause the girls stress - but there is nothing I am aware of, other than the change of food - and suggested that I continue for a couple more weeks to see if there is any improvement. I think I will finish the ex batt food I already have, then try them back on their original layers mash + limestone flour and see if there is any change.

It's all very strange!

[manxchick]

We cannot get ex batt food here so I am reliant on layers, oyster grit and crushed baked egg shells. Soft eggs were a real problem at first but we get very few now, I think it takes them a very long time (months) for their digestive systems to adapt to 'real' food.

[sandyhas3chucks]

I have 4 that came with ex bat pellets they have super shells, I think one of my originals is better too since she will actually eat the ex bats but NOT any others "uh uh no way, rather starve". No change in my softee layer bar no eggs at all. long as there is nothing getting stuck though am happy if she has just stopped!