[MartF]

We have 7 hens, 4 are nearly two years and 3 are nearly one years old.

I guess this has been asked before but we keep getting a softie, its a large one so I suspect it must be from one of the older hens, (2 years old in July this year). We get maybe 1 or 2 a week then we get a good run of full production from the 7 hens, so far through this winter. It has just started again, we've had 3 softies this week.

There is always grit available for them as we put it down and there is also grit in the layers mash we feed them exclusively, the grit does contain oyster shell. We feed them some greens once or twice a week as a treat and often a microwaved jacket potato mixed into a bowl of mash as another treat, although several times a week!

Is there a 'quick fix' or are we doing something wrong?

[8doubles]

Quick fix is cut out the treats ! But you already know that !

I always had oyster shell out for the hens but never ever saw them eat a piece !

Make sure that they get a good fill of layers food before you let them free range as they prefer grass to proper food.
Warm mash goes down well !

As much as you like giving treats the egg machines  we call hens need to not be killed with kindness.

Softies can cause big problems if one breaks  internally .

[Sassy]

Agree with 8doubles. You don't say what breed they are. If they are hybrids this may have a bearing

[Beekissed]

This will pass.  We are transitioning from one laying season to another and there always seem to be a few misfires when that happens as the reproductive system gets back to full power.  Especially in older birds.  Tis the season! 

[MartF]

Sassy, sorry I should have said, yes they are hybrids.

We have cut out the treats but giving them a bowl of warm layers mash morning and evening, they seem to think its something new and dive on it!

Thanks very much.

[grinling]

you can add calcium to their water.
Mine have oyster shell as well as free ranging for their grit. Greens help them absorb the calcium. Do they free range or can you give them more greens?
Check them over to make sure they breathing ok (non raspy) and check their eyes to make sure they are not bubbly.

[Sassy]

Whilst not necessarily the case it may be because they are hybrids who tend to have a much shorter egg laying life, due to laying more eggs in a shorter space of time than your average pure breed.