What it looks like
Soft-shell or shell-less eggs — Eggs laid without hard shells, or eggs with very thin, fragile shells that break easily
Reduced egg production — Hen lays fewer eggs than expected or stops laying temporarily
Leg weakness or lameness — Bird has difficulty walking or standing; legs may appear weak or bowed
Tetany or seizures (severe cases) — Bird has spasms, tremors, or convulsions; may collapse suddenly
Depression and reduced activity — Bird sits more, moves slowly, appears unwell
Poor bone development (in young birds) — Chicks or young birds grow poorly; bones may be weak or deformed
Likely causes
- Inadequate calcium in the diet (layer feed should contain 3–4% calcium for hens)
- Insufficient vitamin D3 (needed for calcium absorption)
- Malabsorption due to intestinal disease or chronic medication use
- Laying hens have very high calcium demands — needs increase dramatically when egg production begins
What to do
Provide calcium-rich layer feed (with at least 3–4% calcium). Offer crushed oyster shells or crushed eggshells free-choice (hens will self-regulate). Ensure adequate vitamin D3 in feed (helps calcium absorption). Most hens recover within 1–2 weeks of corrected diet.
When to see a vet
See a vet if your bird shows severe signs or doesn’t improve within a few days of treatment.
Prevention
Use high-quality commercial layer feed formulated to meet calcium requirements. Provide oyster shells free-choice for laying hens. Ensure feed contains adequate vitamin D3. Avoid feeding non-layer diets to laying hens.
Frequently asked questions
My hen is laying soft-shell eggs — what’s wrong?
Soft-shell eggs usually indicate calcium deficiency. Switch to a quality layer feed (at least 3–4% calcium) and provide crushed oyster shells or eggshells free-choice. Most hens recover within 1–2 weeks.
Do I need to feed oyster shells if I use quality layer feed?
Layer feed is formulated to meet baseline calcium needs, but offering oyster shells free-choice is recommended. Hens will eat as much as they need for robust shell formation.
My young pullet is having trouble walking — is it calcium deficiency?
Leg weakness in young birds can indicate calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D3 deficiency. Ensure she’s on quality chick or pullet starter feed. If symptoms persist, see a vet to rule out other causes like Marek’s disease.
Can I give my bird calcium supplements?
Crushed oyster shells are the safest and most natural supplement. Hens will self-regulate and eat what they need. Avoid excessive supplementation (too much calcium can cause other imbalances). Consult your vet about other supplements.
How long does it take for eggshell quality to improve?
Most hens show improvement within 1–2 weeks of corrected diet with adequate calcium. Egg quality depends on the bird’s overall health and the quality of the layer feed.