Thin shells

[jimmychicken]

We have four Bantams one of which is laying eggs with paper thin shells, the others seem to be laying fine.
They have oyster shell mix scattered in the pen with there food.
I don't know if it is an issue but Millie had to have an operation recently to have her crop unblocked as she has stuffed herself with grass.

Are we doing anything wrong?

 

[Chuck]

Any situations of stress can bring on soft shelled eggs which are usually temporary so I doubt you are doing anything wrong but mixed grit is best fed in a small container so they can help themselves when they need it. Keeps it cleaner.

 

[MalcolmP]

Maybe she still has a sore throat !
Some oystershell mixes are very 'chunky', more appropriate for large fowl.

Do you recycle eggshell ? That would be softer calcium to eat for her shells and bones.
Boil the shells briefly (to coagulate any albumen), strain and lightly toast dry in the oven (to remove any last traces of 'eggyness' smell/taste).
Crush fine and (as Chuck says) serve in containers to avoid fouling and so you can see how much is being taken up.

 

[Marigold]

Nettex Mineral Powder is good stuff see http://www.nettexpoultry.co.uk/nettex-mineral_powder_1.html It contains not only calcium supplements but other minerals and seaweed for iodine and probiotics, which act together to promote calcium absorption. You just add it to the feed and it lasts ages. I got mine from a local agricultural supply shop to save postage.

 

[BabyBantam]

Not sure if a good idea if she's had an op, but my pekins like to eat the empty shells of snails that the thrushes leave behind in the garden. Might be smaller and easier to grind down?