[buggie]

one of my chickens has just laid an egg but it has no shell is this normal

[joyfull]

how old is your hen and does she have access to oyster shell at all times?

[buggie]

16 to 18 weeks i think & no i havnt got any shells for them yet is this a must

[joyfull]

As they are just coming into lay the soft shells are perfectly normal, they just have to get used to the egg producing thing. Oyster shell should be served in a seperate container and available all the time, this helps them get enough calcium. You can also give the crushed egg shells (when they start producing eggs with them  ), 1st wash them then either bake them in the oven like I do or nuke them in the microwave. This can be mixed with their own food.

[buggie]

thanks for the help i have just ordered some oyster shells for my birds

[joyfull]

you'll soon have proper eggs - yum 

[Vember]

Hi buggie

Think Joyful has sorted your soft shell problem but I just wanted to check that your birds also have access to grit at all times also?
They need it to grind their food

Sarah

[buggie]

i let them out to scratch about in the garden every day is this enough

[Vember]

Mine free range yet i still have grit down,  they go for a peck as and when they want

It's best to have some down


Sarah

[buggie]

i will order some thanks