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Barnyard Buddies:  soft shell eggs??  |
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Haven
True Blue Farmgirl
105 Posts
Anne
Wisconsin
USA
105 Posts |
 Posted - May 26 2009 : 07:59:36 AM
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I know this has been discussed but I can't seem to come up with it on the "search" feature.
I have a hen who has started laying soft "rubbery" shell eggs.
Is this possibly a vitamin issue?
They are on a 18 % layer crumble, Go out to the barn and get into the cat's food occassionally, are fed crushed eggshells, and some veggie scraps, along with being allowed to free range a good part of the time.
What am I missing??
Thanks for any help.
Anne
"Bless the beasts and the children, for in this world they have no voice, they have no choice...."
website havencroft@havencroftminis.com
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - May 26 2009 : 09:26:43 AM
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Soft-shelled eggs
The first pullet egg may be soft-shelled until her system gets into its stride. If it continues, make sure that the birds are getting a balanced diet such as that provided by a commercial free-range or organic layer’s ration. Such feeds will usually contain calcium and phosphorus in the right ratio (around 3.5-4% calcium to 0.3% phosphorus). Providing a little crushed oyster-shell or calcified seaweed will ensure that any deficiency is rectified, for the birds will not take more than they require.
A shock can also make a hen lay a soft-shelled egg. My own observations are that if a flock is caught in a sudden shower of rain (for they are sometimes too dim to run for shelter), a few soft-shelled eggs are often produced the next day, but by the following day, they’re back to normal.
It is when soft-shelled eggs or misshapen ones are produced regularly that there need be a cause for concern. Veterinary advice should be sought. Conditions that adversely affect eggs include Newcastle disease (a notifiable disease to the authorities) and Infectious bronchitis, but there would be disease symptoms showing in the birds themselves if either of these was present. Hybrids are normally vaccinated against them.
Egg drop syndrome (EDS) is also a viral infection that results in a reduced number of eggs, as well as an increased number of pale-shelled eggs. Birds do recover from it but egg production may not get back to its previous level and there may still be a proportion of deformed ones produced. It can be vaccinated against.
http://www.blpbooks.co.uk/articles/egg_problems/egg_problems.php
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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MullersLaneFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
596 Posts
Rock Falls
IL
596 Posts |
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Mother Hen
True Blue Farmgirl
604 Posts
Cindy
Peck
ID
USA
604 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2009 : 01:01:56 AM
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Alee has a great bit of info!
When we've had soft egg shells, we do like Cyndi and give at will oyster shell. We try to keep that out all the time and don't usually have a problem.(except when I run out and forget to buy it)
Cindy
FARMGIRLS CAN DO ANYTHING!!!
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalms 34:1 |
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Barnyard Buddies: soft shell eggs?? |
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soft shell eggs??
