Causes of and Prevention Methods for Soft-Shelled Eggs in Pigeons
The pigeon farming market has good prospects, especially since there is strong market demand for meat pigeons. Meat pigeon meat is tender and highly nutritious, making it an excellent tonic. In addition, there is also racing pigeon and ornamental pigeon farming, so many friends are raising pigeons. However, during the pigeon-raising process, pigeons may lay soft-shelled eggs. What causes pigeons to lay soft-shelled eggs? Let's take a look.
1. Nutritional imbalance
The main reason pigeons lay soft-shelled eggs is improper feed formulation, which leads to nutritional deficiency or nutritional imbalance in pigeons. For example, insufficient vitamins and an imbalanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio can both cause pigeons to lay soft-shelled eggs. In addition, if a pigeon lays too many eggs, stays in a dark environment for a long time without sufficient light, or is frightened while laying, it may also lay soft-shelled eggs.
Prevention and treatment methods: Supplement the vitamin content in the feed, adjust the ratio of calcium and phosphorus, reasonably control the number of eggs laid by pigeons, and let them bask in the sun more.
2. Calcium deficiency
We all know that the main substance in eggshells is calcium, so if the eggs laid have soft shells, it is generally caused by calcium deficiency, and then by a lack of vitamin D. It may also be caused by insufficient intake of salt licks.
Prevention and treatment methods: Increase the supplementation of calcium and vitamins in the feed, and add an appropriate amount of eggshell powder, bone meal, etc. to the salt licks. These must be disinfected before being added to the feed. At the same time, feed the pigeons calcium tablets and cod liver oil pills to supplement calcium substances, one pill each time, 2-3 times a day, for one week continuously, and the problem can be solved.
3. Old female pigeons
As laying female pigeons age, their shell gland function gradually declines, and most of the eggs they lay are soft-shelled. This situation generally occurs in pigeons aged 8-10 years and is a common physiological phenomenon.
Prevention and treatment methods: For older female pigeons that still lay soft-shelled eggs after the first two prevention and treatment methods, the only option is to cull them to avoid affecting the entire pigeon flock, and select young pigeons that are robust and in better physical condition to replace them.
4. Inflammation of the oviduct
If none of the above reasons are the cause of the pigeons laying soft-shelled eggs, then it is very likely that the female pigeon has inflammation of the oviduct, causing abnormal egg gland function, an inability to normally secrete calcium substances, and the laying of soft-shelled eggs.
Prevention and treatment methods: Check promptly to determine whether the pigeon has inflammation of the oviduct, or whether it is caused by an infection of the reproductive organs. After identifying the cause, prescribe the right medicine, cure the inflammation or disease, and enable the female pigeon to normally secrete calcium substances. Afterward, adjust the nutrition well so it can recover quickly and lay normal eggs.
The above are the causes of and prevention methods for pigeons laying soft-shelled eggs. We hope this helps you. If you want to learn more about pigeon farming knowledge, please follow us.