soft egg shells

hello everyone,

I know this is a common problem but one of my girls has recently started laying soft shelled eggs, pretty much every day.  I introduced some oyster shell grit for them which they all seem to tuck into, on Friday, but still a soft shell in the coop every morning so far, does it take a while for the grit to get into their system??   I have managed to find out who is laying them as corrie had distinctively yellow legs when I let them out this morning, poor thing i don't want her to get any complications 

Hi, when you say you gave them oyster shell on Friday, do you men that they dont have it available all the time? (sorry...my user name is dizzy for a reason) Chickens should have oystershell and poultry grit available at all times. I have some ex-batt chickens in my flock and so i give them limestone flour/powder (from horsey type shops) Another member had problems with shells and ateaspoon of this mixed in with their afternoon treat soon sorted it for her

I tried an extra portion of fine oyster shell in the afternoon treat (to make sure they ate it), and it didn't really solve the problem.

No they get a teaspoon of limestone flour (calcium carbonate) mixed into their corn/mash every afternoon, and it does seem to have made a difference.

(If that sounds wrong - then please someone tell me )

We're getting good quality shells now, wheareas before, too many soft shells, and even some nasty thin shells which broke before they were laid.  Just awful for poor Wilma, imagine having broken egg shell up you're whatsit?  Poor girl.

I got a tub of it on line on fleabay.

Leafy greens are also a good source of calcium especially if your birds don't free range and can't find greens of their own. Hanging a lump of spring green up for them also provides entertainment. Don't overdo the greens though as they'll get an upset tummy 
It's not really that complicated....just sounds it