Ophelia Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 Hello I have three ex-batts and only two of them lay. Over the last week I have been finding soft eggs broken in the droppings tray. The shell is usually all curled up and more membrane like then shell. I am also still getting the usual two good eggs in the nest box. Is it possible that my non-layer is starting to produce these eggs? I haven't noticed any hunched up behaviour. They get fed ex-batts layers mash, they free range round the garden as much as possible and get a few treats before bedtime. I also bake their egg shells then grind them up and add them to their feed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted February 22, 2010 Share Posted February 22, 2010 Sounds like you are doing everything right to me. Maybe just for a while cut down on their treats for a bit, I had a hen who went through a phase of softies and then got over it and continued with normal eggs. If your popping out anywhere to the shops - Limestone flour is a good source of extra calcium, I add it to my girl's feed. You can get it from equestrian type shops or online. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted February 22, 2010 Share Posted February 22, 2010 A dash of cod liver oil will help with the absorption of the limestone flour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ophelia Posted February 22, 2010 Author Share Posted February 22, 2010 Thank you. I will look for limestone flower and get some cod liver oil. Hopefully she will soon be paying harder shell eggs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
veggiemad Posted March 3, 2010 Share Posted March 3, 2010 Hi! we have 3 ex batts and get 2 good eggs a day and then about 2 softies a week , sometimes in the nestbox, through the roosting bars or even in the run - i've not worked out exactly who it is. I caught one of them laying one- the others then pecked the remnants out of her vent-yuck - but she has now laid a good'un again. I used to really panic over it- but they are all wormed and eating etc, so just accept it- who ever it is!!!!! Forgot to say- mine have lifeguard tonic in their water every other week, also limestone flour and CLO as already mentioned!! and you know its working coz the good eggs are a lighter calcium colour!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ophelia Posted March 4, 2010 Author Share Posted March 4, 2010 My limestone flour has arrived. How much should I add to the feed? I had a few days when I got three good eggs but the softies have made a come back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
veggiemad Posted March 5, 2010 Share Posted March 5, 2010 i add about 2 teaspoonsful to a full grub. Hope you get better eggs soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ophelia Posted March 5, 2010 Author Share Posted March 5, 2010 Thank you,. I don't mind if she doesn't lay or lays softies. I just don't want her to be in any discomfort plus I don't want her to envy the other hens that do lay (if hen's do actually get feelings like that????). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimnpaula Posted March 6, 2010 Share Posted March 6, 2010 Try different food too. Mine started off on ex bats crumbs, managed the transition to pellets, and now are on whatever food takes my fancy. Have now found they seem to do best on Dodson & Horrell, which is available at pets at home (although I'm looking to see if there's a cheaper supplier). My mum bought them a bag of something else for Christmas, and although they ate it, someone kept laying softies - switched back to D&H and now all eggs have shells again. P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
