Loose droppings and a shell less egg

[Wyorp Rock]

Would calcium help if it were a shell gland defect, cancer, salpingitis or another reproductive issue? She gets layer feed and oyster shell but it does only seem to improve when she’s getting calcium supplemented. Not fully bc she will still have body checks on her eggs but the shell is definitely thicker and no soft shell eggs. Feels like there is not much we can do. Just wanting to know if supplementing calcium long term is worse for her than whatever’s causing the issues at this point. Thank you again for your continued help. I really appreciate it!

The extra Calcium could help with some reproductive disorders, at least for a while.

Since her shell quality improves with the Extra Calcium, I'd continue with that.

I don't have any proof with this...but I've read and seen some folks mention that their hens don't consume oyster shells like they should, but when they "switched" to Flaked Oyster Shell, their hens did consume the flakes and they felt egg quality improved as well. Something you may want to look into, switch to another type/source of supplemental Calcium.

 

[CrockChickens9]

Thank you. I’ll look into switching up my kind of oyster shell. I can’t say I’ve ever seen her eat it. I’ll continue with the calcium and just make sure she’s comfortable and doing ok. She’s a year old this coming week :/ looking like she’s not going to have a long life unfortunately. I’d just love to know what exactly is wrong. Thanks again!