Why am I finding a soft-shell egg? ?
An egg that looks fully formed but maybe the shell is missing or is soft, even squishy
Sometimes they’re called rubber eggs
It’ll feel almost like a water balloon
What causes these soft-shell eggs?
Young layers can have that happen when they’re first starting to lay ?
It takes a while for the reproductive system to sometimes get it in gear
If the hen is stressed or frightened, the next egg could have a soft shell ?
The reproductive system can get a little out of whack
Or old age ?
As the hen ages, the eggs tend to get bigger and bigger
As the hen gets older, she doesn’t have more calcium necessarily to create a larger shell
Sometimes the shell is very thin or is not there at all
Another reason might be calcium deficiency ?
All commercial feed has some calcium in it
But always provide free choice oyster shell
Meaning it’s in a container, feeder or a bowl
If they think their body needs it, they will go and take some (free choice)
It could be a vitamin D deficiency ?
Hens need sun
Even in my enclosed run, the sun can shine into the run so that they can go lay in the sun
They need sun exposure just like people do
Some people say to avoid vegetables like spinach or chard ?
Because it can prevent the absorption of calcium in the body
So use other greens besides spinach or chard
Add herbs that help with calcium like nettle, peppermint, and dandelion greens
How do you prevent soft-shell eggs?
What do you do to help your hens produce good egg shells?
Remember … Be The Organic U – Feed Your Soul
#BeTheOrganicU #organic #homestead #sustainability #agriculture #coops #farming #gardening #chickens #backyard #eggs #farmlife #homesteading #permaculture
