Egg Shell Issues
One of the most common issues we get called about is “Why am I having egg shell issues when I’m feeding plenty of calcium?” We get a version of this question multiple times a week! It ranges from soft shells and cracks all the way to bumps, wrinkles, and speckles. Although calcium is very important for egg shell development, there can be many different reasons for these problems. Let’s discuss some of the causes.
First, it’s important to remember that the as the egg travels down the oviduct, different sections are responsible for the many layers of the egg. Of the 25 hours it takes for an egg to be laid, about 15 hours are spent in the shell gland pouch. A significant amount of time! In the shell gland pouch, the shell is formed, and the pigmentation process occurs. Many factors can influence what happens during that time.
If you have ever heard one of the Fertrell agronomists or animal nutritionists talk, you have most likely heard about how minerals interact with each other. We like to show a graphic of a mineral wheel and all the possible connections between the various minerals that are important to soil and animal health. Calcium has many synergistic and antagonistic relationships. So, although you might be providing plenty of calcium, there could be other mineral imbalances preventing the proper absorption and utilization of the calcium. Some of the possible offenders: phosphorus, manganese, and/or Vit D. There is a possibility you are feeding too much calcium as well. Another possible interaction is with the water supply. If the water is too acidic or basic, that can affect calcium absorption or utilization. Similarly, if you have very hard water, calcium usage can be disruptive. If you are seeing any shell issues, you should consider getting your water tested and sharing the results with the Fertrell team.
Underlying health problems can also affect egg shell quality. Diseases like infectious bronchitis or Egg Drop Syndrome can not only cause a decrease in production, but they can also cause defects like pale shelled eggs or wrinkled eggs. As producers, we are always playing detective to determine what is going on in our flocks. Making sure there are no pathogens infecting the birds is paramount.
Hen age can also play a role in egg shell quality. As birds age, the calcium stores are diminished, due to use. The hen will also require more calcium to produce the shells as she gets older. Also, older birds are more likely to have their bodies give out on them and may have an increase in defective shell glands.
Finally, this all leads to overall stress of the bird. Anytime an animal is experiencing stress, normal functions can be disrupted. Many egg shell defects have stress listed as a causative factor. Reducing the amount of stress on your flock will not only help the birds live a happier life, but it will also help with the eggs they are producing.
Egg shell problems are not always as straightforward as needing more calcium. The problem can be much more complicated. Figuring out the exact cause will help make sure your birds are producing marketable eggs consistently for you.
