The Poultry Keeper

Mel · Joined: 15 Oct 2005 Posts: 150 Location: Gosport, Hampshire

might be nothing but thought I'd check with you clever people Wink

2 queries if that's not asking too much.

OH and I got 3 chickens. recently one of them has been laying unusually pale coloured eggs - normally quite dark almost tan colour - any ideas?

also eggs seem very thin at the moment and we are having at least one cracking every day. they have access to calcium grit, is there anything else we can supplement them with. Do you think it is a calcium defiency or any other thoughts?

Thank you Smile

mojo · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 12:04 am Post subject:

eggs vary in colour quite a lot sometimes for no apparant reason..tryACV at2% as a tonic are they new layers as often the first eggs are thin .......put protection of some kind on nest floor to absorb shock.........wood shavings ........or a paper bag will do

Mel · Joined: 15 Oct 2005 Posts: 150 Location: Gosport, Hampshire

thanks for reply mojo. we've had them almost a year and up until now we've had no problems with their eggs, which made me wonder if it was something to worry about. their nest box has always got shavings in so the eggs usually have a soft landing, unless they decide to lay in the middle of their run which Rosemary has done occasionally! bless her. I'll keep an eye on their calcium intake, anything I can give them to up the amount they have?

Knobby · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 5:48 pm Post subject:

My chooks shells vary in colour from day to day.......nothing to worry about......I think !!

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

Are they only just coming back into lay? That can sometimes let them have thiner shells in the beginning and then in time it soon rights itself. Go with what Mojo says give them acv 20mls to 1 ltr just to help them get over whatever it is that's causing it (not in a galvanised drinker!)

Mel · Joined: 15 Oct 2005 Posts: 150 Location: Gosport, Hampshire

thanks for that vote of confidence knobby, i think!!!

we've had the girls since last Easter and they began laying soon after and to be honest haven't really stopped since then. maybe they're just knackered, bless them.

I'm assuming acv is apple cider vinegar? if so I've got some of that. can i ask a silly question ........ why not in a galvanised drinker?

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

It will corrode the metal ~ you can use stainless steel if you're rich or plastic if you're not ~ I have plastic!

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2299 Location: North Cornwall

One of my girls is laying a thin shelled egg also. Im baking all the shells from the eggs I use, crushing them up and adding them to their grit. Dont know if it will help but like you Mel I dont know what else to give them. Mine have also been laying for over a year without a break, poor things, but they all look well.

Mel · Joined: 15 Oct 2005 Posts: 150 Location: Gosport, Hampshire

I'm with Summayah, mine will be plastic too!!! Wink

Mine, as yours Jan are looking well. Thank you for the advice about baking the shells, I'll give that a go.

mojo · Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2006 11:26 pm Post subject:

living here we use ground mussel and oyster shells ground fine but if you like you can buy calcium powder or ground shells in most pet shops

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

Mel, make sure you smash the shells up really really small so the girls can't tell it's from an egg.

mojo · Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 12:24 pm Post subject:

that why i never give them hens eggs too much temption..........and the commercial stuff is cheap

Mel · Joined: 15 Oct 2005 Posts: 150 Location: Gosport, Hampshire

I have got oyster grit as I have an aviary with finches in, so I can give the ladies that.
Hadn't thought about the girls being tempted about eating eggs if I give them egg shells. D'oh!!! Rolling Eyes

so thanks for the advice Summayah & Mojo

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

you're welcome

janhll895 · Joined: 12 Apr 2006 Posts: 15 Location: WALES (north)

does anybody know why one of my hens lays a egg but it has ridges on it sometimes its worse than others. the books dont go into detail about it.