Omlet cube and run

[Lindy Loo]

I have a problem with my White Leghorn and one of my Ginger Rangers in that they are regularly laying soft shelled eggs - many of which are paper thin and are broken in the nesting box. The hens in question are both about 3 years old and are in good health with no visible signs of illness or stress. They are in a large walk in run and free range from time to time. I feed them layers pellets (Smallholders) and give them a treat each day especially in this cold weather. This is typically something like either soaked bread, cooked mashed veg peelings or cooked rolled oats. I mix these with a measure of limestone flour and a handful of oyster shell/ grit. They have been wormed recently too.

The rest of my girls have shells as hard as bullets so I am at a loss as to why the shells on these two are so poor and I don't know what to try next. Any suggestions would be welcome!

[libby22]

Hi there. I too have a ginger nut ranger who has laid lovely large strong eggs for 12 months now and suddenly, two softies in two days. I did notice however, that in the dish for mixed grit and oyster shell, she had picked out all the oyster shell! It was hard to notice at first but when I topped it up, she ate it as fast as she could and I felt awful. My girls have a veg holder with kale, spinach and lettuce in each day and the only thing I have changed is the kale as the shops have run out and my seedlings aren't growing fast enough in the greenhouse

 

I know that leafy greens are full of calcium, especially the spinach and it is her favourite so not sure if the change in her diet has been the cause. One of my girls in the past was off colour and laying softies - I now know it was because she was only five months old and still settling in, however I mentioned to the vet that I gave them spinach and should I stop. He said that the spinach was high in calcium and would assist with the egg shells and to ensure that they had a handful of leaves each day. Don't know if that may assist?

 

The worries these girls cause us! Do hope they settle down soon for you.