How to Tell if a Bird Is Egg Bound

Egg binding in female birds is a serious and quickly fatal illness if not taken care of in a short amount of time. A female bird does not have to be in the presence a male bird to be capable of laying eggs, and birds that are on all-seed diets or poor-quality diets are more susceptible to egg binding. If caught during the early stages and with good veterinary care, an egg-bound hen can be successfully treated.

Instructions

    • 1

      Recall the bird's diet. An all-seed diet is deficient in calcium, vitamin E, selenium and vitamin D3, making the bird highly susceptible to egg binding.

    • 2

      Determine if the bird suffers from obesity. A poor-quality diet or all-seed diet with little exercise and daily training activities results in obesity, making the bird more susceptible to egg binding.

    • 3

      Recall the reproductive cycle of the hen. First-time layers, prolific layers and senior birds are more susceptible to egg binding. Over-breeding birds such as pulling chicks too soon for additional clutches, also increases egg binding.

    • 4

      Determine through observation if the hen (female bird) is constantly straining as if trying to eliminate waste or lay an egg.

    • 5

      Determine if the bird exhibits additional symptoms such as being depressed, sitting on the floor of the cage as well as the inability to perch or stand properly.

    • 6

      Call the veterinarian immediately if the bird exhibits any egg binding symptoms. Failure to treat egg binding is fatal for the bird.