Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 228, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 September 1914 — Softshell Eggs. [ARTICLE]

Softshell Eggs.

The production of soltshelled eggs causes much anoyance and loss in many poultry-yards. Such eggs are valueless for any purpose save home use, as they cannot produce chickens and they cannot be sent to market, says the American Cultivator. There are three causes of softqhelled eggs, the commonest of which is an Insufficient supply of shell forming material. Laying hens require a generous proportion of lime in their food, as In 100 ordinary sized eggs there are more than 20 ounces of pure lime. Finely broken oyster shell is an excellent and a cheap form in which to supply the necessary lime. Fright sometimes causes a hen to lay an egg without a shell, but this is not so serious a matter, and is only .temporary. The third cause is due tp a derangement of the egg organs, and If the abundant supply of lime has not the desired effect more drastic measures are needed. All food of a stimulating nature should be stopped jet once, and an aperient given, consisting of one grain of calomel and one-twelfth grain of tartar emetic. A little iron should be added to the drinking water as a tonic, and the food should mainly consist of boiled rice.