Everyday care essentials
Plan dry bedding, safe perches, good ventilation, fresh water and an appropriate complete ration. A suitable home supports your flock’s day-to-day wellbeing.
Explore housing ›Calcium and Vitamin D Deficiency
About Calcium and Vitamin D Deficiency
Calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D are important for bone health and eggshell production. Deficiency or imbalance can cause serious problems, but unusual eggshells alone do not prove a calcium deficiency.
Signs to look for
- Repeated soft or thin-shelled eggs
- Weakness or difficulty standing
- A laying hen that strains or becomes unwell
What can cause it?
An unsuitable ration, nutrient imbalance or problems using nutrients may contribute. Reproductive disease and other illnesses can also affect shells and laying.
First steps and veterinary care
Review the feed label and diet with your vet. Use a complete age-appropriate poultry ration; laying diets are not suitable for every bird. Do not combine high-dose calcium or vitamin products or give injections without veterinary direction.
Prevention and everyday support
Provide fresh balanced feed, clean water and appropriate housing. Ask a vet or poultry nutrition professional about the needs of mixed-age flocks and any separate calcium source for laying hens.
When to seek help
A weak hen, persistent straining, inability to stand or suspected egg binding needs urgent veterinary care. Do not attempt to pull out or break an egg.
Sources and further reading
- Merck Veterinary Manual: calcium metabolism in hens
- Merck Veterinary Manual: nutritional requirements
Content checked 10 November 2026. General information; not an individual veterinary assessment.
Prepare for a veterinary call
Record changes in appetite, droppings, laying, movement and breathing. Tell the vet about recent arrivals, feed changes and any medicines already used.
Browse the health guides ›Support for your flock
If your chicken is unwell, contact a poultry-experienced veterinarian. Take notes on signs, when they started and how many birds are affected. Photos or a short video may help your vet.
For general questions about preparing a home for your birds, browse our care guides or visit our contact page.
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