loosing chicks, very hard shell, tough membrane

[Shari Nees]

Sadly no.  I am not set up to cage my birds, tend to like them to have either a nice generous run or to free range.  Fescue is all over this area and short of burning it out and replanting with orchard grass and timothy, nothing much can be done.

[Suki]

That is a shame Shari.  I guess you will have to continue helping them break out, then.

Brownie

[Shari Nees]

Hopefully in time, will be able to do something about that issue.

[Rebecca G Howie]

Actually, I did. I changed their feed from layer pellets to high protein game bird feed. they also increased egg production on the higher protein feed. They had oyster shells anyway to nibble at will. After months of loosing chicks in the shell, they came popping out.

I did also lower the brooder temp 2 degrees at the recomendation of a friend, but I feel that the feed made the difference here.

The girls run is all sand (Florida) and I cut down bushes and give them stuff out of garden for fresh greens. They love broccoli, corn and collards