A firm, smooth eggshell is a sign of a chicken in good condition. When the shells turn thin, brittle or rough, or your hen lays wind eggs (eggs without a hard shell), that often already points to a shortage of building materials. The shell consists largely of calcium, and without enough phosphorus and vitamin D3 your hen cannot put that calcium to good use.

Why are my chickens laying eggs with a thin shell?

The most common cause is a shortage of calcium, phosphorus or vitamin D3, the building blocks of the eggshell. Age, heat and the stage of lay also play a part. Note: a shortage is not always down to the feed. Sometimes the cause lies deeper and the chickens simply do not absorb the minerals well enough.

Check the droppings too

Our veterinarians recommend having a 2 to 3-day pooled dropping sample examined for endoparasites every 3 to 4 months. Worms and other intestinal parasites can cause deficiencies, and therefore shell abnormalities too. If the problems persist despite supplementation, have your flock checked by your veterinarian.

Why can Vita-Min-DCP help here?

Vita-Min-DCP supplies calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D3 in a readily absorbable form and thus supports the formation of a firm eggshell.

A targeted course lasts 21 days:

• Flock: 5 ml/l of drinking water or 10 ml/kg of feed.
• Individually, by mouth. 1 ml/kg of body weight.

Refresh the drinking water twice a day to prevent sedimentation.

Important: Vita-Min-DCP is a food supplement that supports shell formation; it is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis. If the shell problems persist, consult your veterinarian.