[melanshel]

hi we have had 8 ex-batts now for 3 weeks, and they have settled in really well, however, this morning when I cleaned out the sleeping quarters, there was a soft egg under the perch.  Is this because I am not giving enough oyster shell, or does this happen from time to time?( p.s. this is the first time I have found an egg that has not been laid in the nest box)

[ANHBUC]

It can happen from time to time but best try and keep an eye out incase an egg breaks inside the hen when trying to lay a softie.  Make sure they eat mostly layers pellets with only a small amount of treats.  Have crushed oyster shell available at all times for them.  If it becomes regular you might want to try a little lime stome flour.  I cut a grape in half and dip it in the LSF and give it to the hen so that the rest of them don't get something they don't need.   

[melanshel]

thanks for that. I'll put down the oyster shell separately from now on instead of adding it to their mash. No need to worry about treats at the moment as they aren't interested in anything else to eat - except worms! They are just starting to eat pellets, which I've been adding to the mash. The problem I have is identifying which chicken laid the egg, if it happens again.