[hoppyfloppy]

hi all, one of our ex batterie hens we have had for about 3 months has been a bit off colour, the first day i noticed i picked her up to see if she was ok and an egg came out but the shell was not properly formed. she has been following the other hens round but not joining in as much as usual. i have noticed another half formed egg on the floor in the chicken house. they wonder round the yard and eat corn, and the other hens dont seem to have a problem with their shells so i dont think its a grit problem. i would be really grateful if anyone has any idea! x :?:

[muntjac]

not a grit problem .............. its oyster shell they need .. give her fresh dandelions from a pollution free source and increase the oestra( oyster shell.then worm the chickens   this should see them come back happy

[Aunt Sally]

This is a very common problem with older hens especially battery hens who have laid hundreds of eggs already  

If Munty's advice doesn't work she may well go down hill quickly with egg peritonits, requiring either antibiotic treatment (which may not work) or, sadly, dispatching.   :cry: