Soft Shells and don't seem to eat Oyster shell

[h-kay]

Hello,

I have 4 mixed RIR's 1 and 2 years old. Lately they have been laying eggs that crack easily. Some days half our eggs are cracked before we get to them. I have always had free choice Oyster Shell. They don't seem to eat it. They are all free range. The weather here has been hot until the last few days. I feed Durmor Layer Crumble. Any suggestions? Are there any illnesses that lead to weak shells? Could weather be a factor?

Thanks so much for your time!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/publications/1/egg-quality-handbook/14/hairline-cracks/

You may wish to click on other types of problems in the left column to read more.

Since you are feeding layer AND have oyster shell available, I don't know how to advise you. The layer has quite a bit of calcium in it too.

 

[barneveldrerman]

If it is hot that can cause some stress and more fragile eggs. Also they may a disease like infectious bonchitus. They also need to be drinking water to balance their salt levels. That link that chickensaresweet has explained it.