Sapphire Gem laying at 15 weeks?

[Cider240]

I have a sapphire gem who laid an egg three days in a row. I know it’s her because I watched her lay or rather should I say drop an egg from her roost. Each egg has been soft shelled, which I read isn’t unusual for chickens beginning to figure out laying. I am surprised she’s laying so young. After these three eggs she has not laid anymore for two days. Should I be concerned about No more eggs and her laying at night from the roost? Is she still just trying to figure it out?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Other people have other opinions but to me it is disturbing for a chicken to lay at 15 weeks.
They likely haven't had time to build up the calcium stores in the medullary bone needed to lay good eggs and prevent rickets.
What are you feeding and what ages are your other birds.
She is too young to have it figured out and the soft eggs are an ongoing concern.
A hiatus from ovulation isn't a concern.
I'm not really familiar with the Saphire Gem cross other than to know they are a sex-linked hybrid.

 

[Cider240]

I’m have been feeding chick starter and they are free ranging in the yard on berries, grasshoppers, grass, etc. a few cold melon treats a few times a week in the afternoon as it’s been so hot. However, after she started laying I picked up layer feed and mixed it 50/50 with the chick feed. All my birds are 15 weeks.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Mixing the feed is a good plan.
Also, get some oyster shell in a separate container so the birds that need it can consume it.

 

[black_cat]

I’m have been feeding chick starter and they are free ranging in the yard on berries, grasshoppers, grass, etc. a few cold melon treats a few times a week in the afternoon as it’s been so hot. However, after she started laying I picked up layer feed and mixed it 50/50 with the chick feed. All my birds are 15 weeks.

At 15 weeks they should be off chick starter and on grower or all flock.

 

[The Happster]

I have fed mine chick starter at that age with no problem. My roosters often eat it. I'd rather them be on that than layers.

 

[black_cat]

I have fed mine chick starter at that age with no problem. My roosters often eat it. I'd rather them be on that than layers.

Oh, ok! The other day I saw a thread here and everyone advised getting birds of the same age off starter and on to grower or all flock.

 

[Cider240]

I’ve been feeding Nutrena chick starter/grower. The packaging says they can be kept on that until 22 weeks or onset of lay whichever comes first. This is my first time with chickens so I have just been following the directions on the package I was just shocked about how young my bird is and the onset of lay.

 

[MarkJr]

I have 4 sapphires. All four started soft eggs off roost just before 16 weeks. Took them a couple weeks to get everything straight.

I feed all flock pellets and crushed oyster shell on the side. They’re at 26 weeks now and are perfectly healthy.

 

[The Happster]

Austra white lay at 12 weeks.
I couldn't have any of those breeds. I'd be worried. I stick to nice, late laying Orpingtons.
Hopefully your girl will get it sorted out soon.