Commercial Hybrid Layers and Soft Shells

Hens and Hobbits · **Posted:** Mon Sep 19, 2011 10:37 am

Are commercial hybrid layers prone to soft shells after their first year of laying? Also do they become more egg bound that other hens?

What supplements can be given to them to improve the quality of their shells and help with their egg binding?

The hens in question I am told are 18 months old, are on layer pellets, free range, have access to shell grit and the veggie patch!

Thank you.

andre · **Joined:** Tue Oct 13, 2009 5:21 pm **Posts:** 612

ISA Browns can tend to have more problems than other hens as they age. 18MO with access to good feed, shell grit and veggies ought not have problems yet however.

Basically the ISAs lay absolutely flat out for an extended period then can start to get problems with their reproductive tract.

Hens and Hobbits · **Posted:** Tue Sep 20, 2011 5:28 am

andrewschooks wrote:

ISA Browns can tend to have more problems than other hens as they age. 18MO with access to good feed, shell grit and veggies ought not have problems yet however.

Basically the ISAs lay absolutely flat out for an extended period then can start to get problems with their reproductive tract.

Thanks, Andrew,

I 'll let the lady who owns them know. Hers are Isa Brown x New Hampshire and they have started to have the above mentioned problems.

andre · **Joined:** Tue Oct 13, 2009 5:21 pm **Posts:** 612

The commercial mix should have enough calcium and if there is sufficient shell-grit available, then they should be fine.

An other possible explanation is, and its not likely, is that the hens are scavenging in an area of DDT contamination. That is known to produce weak egg shells in birds. Is that plausible? Is this an old farm with possibility of contamination? I certainly hope not. If you're concerned your Agriculture department can test the soil, but the downside is that the site will be listed on a contaminated waste register. We have a site listed because it used to be an old set of cattle yards where DDT and other persistant nasties were used for cattle tick.

Hens and Hobbits · **Posted:** Tue Sep 20, 2011 1:35 pm

Thank you again, Andrew,

I am uncertain if our blocks were once old cattle farms, as we were originally semi rural and most of the genuine locals have died to ask. However, there was an orchard on this block many moons ago.

The hens have laid well over 300 eggs each in their first year, sometimes even 2 eggs from the one hen on the same day! I guess they aren't bred for longevity and just for that initial egg production, so maybe these are problems, as you mentioned that occur when they are past their peak period.

andre · **Joined:** Tue Oct 13, 2009 5:21 pm **Posts:** 612

Yes it is claimed that ISA Browns can ovulate every 22 hours. It is therefore possible to get two eggs in one day on occasion!

I guess the gynacological parts of the chicken get worn out.

Hens and Hobbits · **Posted:** Wed Sep 21, 2011 8:48 pm

Thanks again, Andrew,

Can extra supplements such as calcium in their diets help them, or, as you said their "gynacological parts" get worn out, so is there anything else that can been else done for them? Those chooks are the only companions this lady has.

Your information has been helpful and appreciated.

Regards
Hens and Hobbits

andre · **Joined:** Tue Oct 13, 2009 5:21 pm **Posts:** 612

A good quality diet should help. Maybe a little more protein and plenty of access to shell grit.

Ultimately they are still prone to getting run down I am afraid.

Hens and Hobbits · **Posted:** Thu Sep 22, 2011 9:50 am

Thank you very much, Andrew,

I'll let her know about diet and hope that they pick up as best as they can.

clucksnlays · **Joined:** Fri Sep 23, 2011 11:26 am **Posts:** 1

What is the life span of these commercial hens v a pure breed hen I know the commercials lay more but do they live as long?

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