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High Salt Diet

When laying hens receive too much sodium chloride (NaCl), also known as salt, in their diet it can cause eggshell defects. One of the most commonly reported eggshell abnormalities reported is an increased number of shell-less eggs. The excess sodium chloride results in significant reduction in carbon dioxide tension, and bicarbonate and calcium concentrations in the fluid surrounding the egg in the shell gland.

Clinical Signs

Shell-less eggs
Egg defects

Diagnosis

  • History
  • Clinical signs

Treatment

NameSummary
Evaluate total dietary intakeTry to determine--and eliminate the source of extra salt into the birds diet.
Conduct a water quality testThis is especially important if the source of water is from a well.

Support

Prevention

Conduct water quality tests on water source annually

Scientific References

Risk Factors

  • Feeding too many, high salt treats
  • Never conducting water quality tests, especially if using well water.