Why do chickens lay eggs without shells: reasons and what to do about it

Farmers periodically encounter the fact that chickens lay eggs without shells. If the testicles are covered with a dense film, this indicates problems that can be triggered by malnutrition, vitamin deficiency and violations in the maintenance of birds. In addition, such a reaction often indicates the development of the disease. The task of the farmer at this stage is to determine why the hens began to lay eggs without shells, and to eliminate the source of the problem as soon as possible.

Causes of chicken problems

If laying hens bring eggs without a shell, such a reaction can be triggered by various violations - both negative external factors and internal problems.To identify the cause of the pathology, you need to think about what mistakes could be made and watch the birds

Nutritional and maintenance violations

The most common reason why chickens began to give eggs in a film is the wrong diet, leading to calcium deficiency. This substance is the main component involved in the formation of the shell. If the food contains insufficient amounts of trace elements and vitamins, the body begins to use its own resources, which leads to softening of the bones and thinning of the shell.

You can detect the problem by external examination - you need to feel the ribs and keel of the bird. If the bones sag, this indicates a lack of calcium.

The second possible reason for soft eggs is poor living conditions: living in cramped cages, lack of lighting in the hen house, dirt in the room. In order for the birds to be he althy and rush well, they need to provide proper conditions.

Lack of vitamin D is harmful to chickens, the main source of which is ultraviolet rays.

Lack of walking

If a hen laid an egg without a shell, this may be due to the fact that the birds are in the hen house for days or are kept in cages, which negatively affects their he alth and leads to physical disorders. In order for laying hens to be he althy, they must be released daily for walking. It is desirable that the birds walk at least 3-5 hours a day. Proper physical activity will positively affect the work of internal organs and systems. In addition, birds will be able to graze.

Layer diseases

Often the problem is caused by the development of diseases such as:

• infectious bronchitis;
• Newcastle disease;
• egg drop syndrome.

Such disorders are accompanied by characteristic symptoms, so it is not difficult to identify them. Birds become lethargic, refuse to eat, breathing becomes hoarse and labored. In some cases, thinning of plumage may be observed. Infectious diseases are considered the most dangerous, as they can affect the entire herd and are difficult to treat.

Genetic failure

There are cases when apparently he althy birds with a strong skeleton and even paws laid eggs in a film. This happens when there are pathologies in the reproductive system.

It is worth considering that it is almost impossible to correct such a violation, but, in any case, it is recommended to show the bird to the veterinarian.

Hormonal imbalance and age

The process of egg formation, including the shell, is controlled by the nervous system and regulated by hormones.The failure of the hormonal background not only causes soft shells, but also leads to a reduction in the time for the maturation of eggs. As a result, the testicle does not have time to fully form.

Such disorders are caused by prolonged stress, poor nutrition and age-related changes. It should be borne in mind that chickens are best laid for the first 2-3 years, after which egg production decreases. Older individuals often produce shellless eggs.

Stress

Poor he alth or psychological discomfort affects the condition and functioning of internal organs and systems. Stress can be caused by a short day, lack of lighting in the coop, adverse weather conditions, improper management.

Diagnostic Methods

It is quite difficult to independently determine what caused the lack of shells on eggs. The only way to determine the source of the problem is to observe the laying hen and think about what mistakes may have been made. Only a veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis.

How to cure a chicken?

If chickens began to lay eggs in a film, you need to act immediately. How to fix the situation depends on what caused such a reaction.

Nutrition Correction

To make up for the lack of vitamins and minerals, it is necessary to review the diet. The best option is to make your own mixers and combine them with compound feed. In the diet of chickens must be present:

• grain (millet, barley, rye, millet);
• peas and beans;
• carrots, beets, cucumbers, zucchini;
• green onions, nettles, dandelions.

As minerals, birds are given bone meal, crushed shell rock, chalk. During molting, vitamin supplements can be used, as birds spend a lot of resources on changing feathers.

Treatment of infections

If a bird has begun to lay soft eggs due to an infection, a veterinarian is indispensable. In order to prescribe the appropriate drug and determine the dosage, it is necessary to establish an accurate diagnosis. In advanced cases, doctors often advise to destroy sick individuals in order to prevent infection of he althy birds and save the livestock.

Containment Review

For birds to be he althy, they need to create suitable conditions for keeping. The chicken coop must be insulated. A bedding of straw, sawdust and peat is laid out on the floor. It must be turned over daily so that litter does not accumulate on top. The room should be illuminated, the minimum duration of daylight hours is 13 hours. At the same time, there must be at least one window in the chicken coop through which ultraviolet rays will pass.

A place for walking is being arranged next to the barn. In good weather, it is recommended to let the birds go for a walk daily. As for the winter months, chickens can only walk at temperatures above +7 degrees.

Problem Prevention

To minimize the risk of disease in chickens, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

• give birds only suitable and fresh food;
• keep the chicken coop clean;
• treat the room with disinfectants every 2 months;
• Food containers must be covered, otherwise rodent-borne infections may enter the feed.

To prevent infectious diseases, young animals need to be vaccinated on time.

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