Signs of a Bird Being Egg Bound

Egg-binding is one of the biggest dangers to female birds and can happen regardless of whether it is held on its own or with a male. The Bird Channel website describes it as a disruption of the laying process. Handle your pet bird especially gently if you suspect her being egg bound, as crushing the egg inside the hen's abdomen will inadvertanly cause her death.

  1. Symptoms

    • Abdominal straining, signs of swelling around the abdomen of the bird, lack of appetite and fluffed-up feathers are most common. Birds fluff up the feathers on their back and close their eyes frequently when they feel sick or in pain. This looks completely different from the way they look when they are merely tired -- fluffed all over and comfortably resting on one leg. A hen with egg-binding may also be sitting low in the cage and exhibit signs of general weakness. Droppings will also be significantly larger and less frequent than usual. According to the Long Beach Animal Hospital, "Pressure from a stuck egg can even interfere with nerve function to the legs."

    Causes and Prevention

    • Low calcium levels are suspected to be the number one cause for egg-binding, with trauma to the reproductive tract, infection or an inadequate nesting space as close seconds. Feed a cuttle bone or crushed egg shell (from a boiled, bacteria-free chicken egg) as well as a calcium/mineral block to your bird to avoid this type of deficiency. The Avian Web also suggests providing lots of natural sunlight or a bird-safe full-spectrum lamp from your pet store, for vital vitamin D. Malnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle can also cause egg-binding. Provide your pet bird with a varied diet of pellets, seeds and nontoxic fruits and vegetables as well as lots of exercise to prevent this.

    Treatment

    • Egg-binding is treatable when caught early. Bring your pet bird to an avian vet as soon as possible if you suspect egg-binding, as it is a life-threatening condition for any bird. Provide your bird with a humid environment to aid her in passing the egg if your vet is closed or you have to wait for an appointment. A humidifier or running shower near the cage will accomplish this and will help relax your distressed bird. You may also place the hen in a shallow dish (so as not to drown her) with lukewarm water to aid her in passing the egg.

    Once the Egg is Passed

    • Take extra care of your female bird once she passes the egg successfully with your care and the help of your avian veterinarian. Provide her with a warm, separate cage and fresh food and water away from other pet birds and noise. Ensure a relaxing environment to allow your hen to recover from the stressful experience. You may wish to cover half of the cage to allow the bird to rest.