gallinas Posted July 9, 2011 Share Posted July 9, 2011 Hi All, Really need some advise. My chickens have just started laying which is great but it's very erratic and when they do lay it's always a softie. This has been going on for two weeks now and I'm starting to think there must be something wrong. This is the first time I've kept chickens so I'm convinced that I must be doing something wrong however they seem really happy and look really healthy. Has anyone else had this problem with their chickens - please help ( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 9, 2011 Share Posted July 9, 2011 If they are new to laying, then it is not at all unusual. Best to limit treats, and feed them a good quality brand of layers pellets, to which they should have free access. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaryKate Posted July 9, 2011 Share Posted July 9, 2011 Egluntyne is right - my two are now laying consistently and we haven't had any softies for 2 weeks!! I am a bit worried about saying that, just in case it happens again. I started out putting grit with oyster shell in with their feed but they seemed to leave most of it. Their first eggs were small over a few weeks they increased in size and we got a number of double yolkers! Then I read somewhere to put a pile of grit in the run and they would help themselves - also, if your girls FR, they will get enough grit that way. So.... I stopped putting the grit in with the mash. Then the softies started.... this went on for a few weeks until I put the grit back in with their feed. I also added a good pinch of crushed eggshell (baked first) and so far so good. So now they get grit in their feed and have a flower pot full of the stuff in the run! Good luck - I am sure they will settle down soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gallinas Posted July 11, 2011 Author Share Posted July 11, 2011 Hi all, Thank you so much for your advice. I've started making porridge for the girls and adding a good pinch of grit - they ate it really well and today Thunderbolt laid her first hard egg in the nesting box. I've also included a bowl of grit within the run and I've seen both her and Sprinkalicious pecking at it which is great. Hopefully the issue is sorting itself out - I'll keep you posted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrsankanu Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 Is that porridge made with milk as usual for us humans ? I'm having issues with hatty now had two solid good size eggs from her since then 3 maybe 4 soft ones. I didn't think chickens would be so difficult just had maisy at vet for crop impaction she found an elastic band it seems now I need to get them reunited not sure how any help? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
