Yes. A hen laying nearly an egg a day pulls a lot of calcium to build shells, and if it isn’t in the diet it comes out of her bones.
- Offer crushed oyster shell free-choice in a separate dish — hens self-regulate and take what they need.
- Don’t just crank calcium into the main feed for a mixed group; males and non-layers don’t need the excess. Free-choice on the side lets each bird choose.
- Signs you’re short: thin, soft, or rough shells, or shell-less “membrane” eggs (a young or stressed hen can do this occasionally too).
Crushed eggshell can supplement in a pinch, but oyster shell is more consistent. What are you offering, and how are your shells looking?