I Keep finding squishy eggs in the coop- help!

[ChickenPeep]

I really hope someone has an answer.. Or help for me.
I have 3 hens, but only 2 are laying because one is broody. The two that are laying are Pumpkin, a buff silkie, and Ebony, a silkie Cochin cross. The girls don't lay regularly, and I don't know why. I feed them laying feed and oyster shells, and scratch as a treat. But lately I've been even more concerned. Recently I have been finding a lot of squishy eggs. I have been fining them increasingly often for the last 2 weeks or so. I'm worried. I don't even know what causes squishy eggs. Are my girls sick? I don't know if this has anything to do with it, but Ebony has been very winy lately. I was thinking that it might be something to do with the squishy eggs, or maybe she is cranky because she doesn't lay regularly.
I would greatly apperciate any advice and answers. I don't want my girls to be in pain. Thanks!

 

[alston83]

I am not a big fan of oyster shell. Instead try using the Tractor Supply brand "Dumor" laying crumbles. I have used it for a couple of years and have had great results. Each chicken gives me about 5-6 eggs a week, and NEVER have had a squishy egg out of 36 chickens. You may also want to try some poultry grit in with the food. Just a small pinch of the grit pebbles twice a month will be okay. That may be why she is making the noise due to a full crop. I've also heard of chickens being a little wormy and making a whining noise. But I am a firm believer and user of the Dumor feed. It seems to have all the nutrients they need...and more.

 

[ChickenPeep]

Thank you for the reply.
I have been using Layena laying pellets, so I will definitely try Dumor. Does a lack of calcium cause squishy eggs? I have been giving them grit, but I've been using chick grit which probably isn't right. Twice a month? I've been mixing it in with thier food every day. Is that bad for them?

 

[alston83]

I'm not too sure as to how much grit is too much, but twice a month has worked for me. I'm sure that their nutrition has to do with their egg shell texture. I'm just not sure as to what they may be lacking. I've never had luck with the pellets. I've only had luck with the laying crumbles. Once I took out the pellets and replaced with crumbles, it was like I couldn't feed them fast enough for a few days. You may also want to try a worming method if you haven't yet. Their are plenty of very knowledgeable people that frequent this site, and are very helpful.....I may not be one of those. But I have found that sometimes the best thing is trial and error. Chickens are like people when it comes to their nutritional needs. So I would say to experiment with some crumbles and see if that helps.