Continuous soft eggs

[Turbochicken1]

Hello there, new to the forum and looking for some advice...we have 4 gorgeous hybrid chickens who free range around the garden and have layed consistently since last year. They are 20 months old, are active and look in good health generally. Marigold (speckledy gold) has been laying soft shelled eggs that we find broken for 2 months now despite us giving calcium supplements and worming them all recently. She is also repeatedly extending her neck and shaking with an open beak throughout the day. There are no vets around that specialise in chickens that we can find, so would really be grateful for any advice in what is causing this.
Thanks

 

[nuthatched]

What do you feed them? 'Hybrid' chickens need help in the nutrition department since they produce so much.

 

[Perris]

You say she's been laying consistently since last year, is active and looks healthy, so I would guess her bodily resources are running out (which happens whatever she eats) and she's heading into a well earned break (and molt). You are providing calcium and she should get plenty of vit d through exposure to sunshine when she free ranges, so those bases are covered too. She just needs a rest. And welcome to BYC !

 

[Turbochicken1]

Hi, thanks for your replies. She gets non gmo layers pellets, verm-x keep well, non/soluble grit. Also give them sardines and occasionally oatmeal/leftover ingredients like salad leaves and fish. They are free range so definitely get a lot of bugs and greenery from the plants too!

Ah, she could be taking break, just concerned that shes still laying eggs with weak shells instead of stopping completely? Hoping that there is nothing serious going on, she's such a sweet hen.

 

[Turbochicken1]

Thanks for the welcome!

 

[Perris]

just concerned that shes still laying eggs with weak shells instead of stopping completely? Hoping that there is nothing serious going on, she's such a sweet hen.

I had one do this; I really don't know why, but it went on so long I considered culling her. I am so glad I didn't, because the next year she was absolutely fine, and has been ever since. She's now 5, and still laying >100 eggs (good eggs!) per year

 

[Turbochicken1]

I had one do this; I really don't know why, but it went on so long I considered culling her. I am so glad I didn't, because the next year she was absolutely fine, and has been ever since. She's now 5, and still laying >100 eggs (good eggs!) per year

That's reassuring to hear, perhaps these kind of breeds just faulter every once in a while.

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

Welcome! I'm not sure where you live but mine have been affected by the constant dry heat.