Why chickens lay eggs with thin shells and what to do, how to feed

People who keep poultry wonder why chickens lay eggs with thin shells and what needs to be done to prevent the problem. The causes of the problem are factors that affect not only the quality of the eggs, but also the health of the laying hens.

The chemical composition of the shell

The composition (90%) of the eggshell is calcium carbonate, which is responsible for the strength of the shell and is produced by the bird during incubation of the eggs. The shell of a chicken egg contains up to 27 useful components that are quickly absorbed by the human body.

The main causes of thin-walled shells

The reasons that provoke the appearance of a thin shell on chicken eggs may depend not only on external factors, but also on poultry diseases.

Wrong content

The chicken requires compliance with the correct conditions of detention. The place where the hen is kept should be dry and warm. The condition of the bird is also important, if the chicken is regularly exposed to stress, then the shell may be thin or absent.

The diet

Improper nutrition not only negatively affects the health of the layers, but can also provoke the appearance of deficiencies in the eggs. An insufficient amount of essential microelements in the diet of poultry most often leads to a thin skin, which, when exposed to it, can rupture.

More often, soft shells indicate deficiencies of the following substances:

• calcium;
• manganese;
• iodine;
• zinc;
• phosphorus.

Mistakes can be made during which an excessive amount of one substance is added to the hens. Nutrition should be comprehensive, selected in accordance with the age of the bird.

Hormonal disorders

A disruption in the hormonal background of chickens can occur with improper care or diseases. Such violations may result in the absence of eggs or the presence of defects such as soft shells.

Possible diseases

Chickens can be exposed to diseases that not only affect the quality of the eggs, but can also lead to the death of the bird.

Infectious bronchitis

The viral disease progresses rapidly in birds and infects healthy birds. A laying hen can become infected with the disease from another chicken. The virus can be transmitted through saliva, droppings. Also, this virus is often carried on household tools that are used to care for the chicken coop. The disease manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• drowsiness;
• wheezing;
• watery eyes;
• hard breath.

The disease develops rapidly and can infect chickens in a hen house within a week.Particles of infection can travel long distances and cause epidemics among birds.

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Important. Often this type of disease occurs in chicks up to 1 month old.

Newcastle disease

The disease can also be called pseudo-plague. The disease is of a viral type and manifests itself as symptoms of a complex type.

The disease is transmitted by air from infected chickens, eggs, bedding and feed, and may manifest with the following symptoms:

• the appearance of mucus from the beak;
• the bird constantly lowers its head down;
• the appearance of seizures;
• liquid poultry stool, green;
• paralysis of the wings.

At the initial level, only a veterinarian can determine the symptoms of the disease after examining the bird.

Bird flu

Plague spreads rapidly among chickens and in a short time can affect all birds, as well as humans upon contact. Layers contract the disease through feed, rodents and bedding.

The symptoms of the disease are as follows:

• lack of appetite;
• sneezing, weakness;
• soft shells on eggs;
• swelling of the crest.

Eating contaminated eggs is prohibited.

Mycoplasmosis

The disease of an infectious type affects the respiratory organs of a bird. The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets during the cold time of the day. Symptoms of the disease:

• the appearance of mucus on the beak;
• breathing difficulties;
• the eyeballs turn red;
• loose stools.

Chickens reduce egg production, eggs are small, with soft skin.

Egg Drop Syndrome

This type of viral disease is a common problem in poultry. Manifested by weakness, lack of eggs. Chickens infected with the disease can lay brown eggs. More often they do not have a shell, the white and yolk are shrouded in a thin pink film, which is quickly damaged. Eggs are not consumed.

What if the eggs have thin shells?

In order to strengthen the eggshell, you need to take the following steps.

Proper nutrition

If a soft shell is found on the eggs, healthy nutrients should be added to the chicken feed. You can feed chickens with nutrients depending on the period of the year.

Summer period

In summer, chickens need to add freshly cut greens to their diet, such as sainfoin and alfalfa, plantain, dandelion. Also, the diet of the bird should be chalk. Chickens should be able to move freely in the pen to independently replenish the missing components. The pen must be regularly moved to new locations.

Winter period

In winter, chickens are kept indoors, so the use of additional additives becomes necessary. In winter, it is necessary to add cottage cheese, crushed shells to the diet of layers.

Premixes

Special impurities that contain hormonal supplements. Among the list of drugs are the following:

• "Ryabushka" - contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals, which not only maintain the strength of the shell, but also increase the health of the chicken.
• "Zdravur Laying" - contains all the essential amino acids necessary for normal chicken digestion.

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Before using the premix, it is necessary to study the constituent components, since the preparations can be for laying hens and meat breeds.

Mineral supplements

In the diet of chickens, it is necessary to add foods that contain minerals necessary for the formation of the shell:

• shellfish;
• a piece of chalk;
• fish fat.

Special mineral complexes can be used, which are purchased in packages for feeding chickens.

Treatment for diseases

Depending on the type of illness, appropriate treatments should be used.

Important. Before starting treatment, you must consult a veterinarian. Often, diseases in the initial stages have common symptoms.

Improving conditions of detention

In order for chickens to be less exposed to diseases, it is necessary to follow the rules of keeping:

• monitor proper nutrition;
• it should be light in the chicken coop;
• the chicken coop should be ventilated regularly;
• the chicken coop in which the birds live should be regularly cleaned, the litter should be changed to fresh;
• the room is treated with lime to remove harmful microorganisms.

In winter, heaters are used, the chicken coop must be warm, otherwise the birds will get sick regularly.

Prevention

Timely preventive measures are essential to properly care for chickens and reduce health problems. In order for the shells on the eggs to retain their strength, it is necessary:

• regularly give special mineral components to strengthen the shell;
• regularly release chickens for walks in the fresh air, regardless of the season;
• timely carry out all vaccinations in accordance with the age of the bird;
• at the first symptoms of the disease, it is necessary to separate the infected hen from the healthy ones;
• make sure that the litter is dry and clean;
• regularly change the water in the sippy cup.

Compliance with the rules of caring for chickens will preserve the integrity of the shell, making it strong.

Eggs contain essential elements for human health. The shell is useful, which contains all the necessary minerals to strengthen human bones. The shell can be soft, in order to prevent this problem, you must follow the rules for caring for layers.