‘Egg Binding’ or ‘Egg Bound Chickens’ refers to a common but potentially serious condition with female birds. Egg binding is when a female bird is unable to pass an egg that may gotten stuck near the cloaca, or further inside her reproductive tract. Even though egg binding can develop in any female bird, it’s commonly found in smaller birds such as cockatiels, budgies, lovebirds, and finches.


The potential of an egg rupturing and breaking inside your chickens tract is extremely high. A broken egg inside your hen can result in possible infection or serious damage to internal tissue; and if left untreated it can be fatal.


Do not worry, there are a variety of methods to help your hen through this distressing time. The bound egg inside can often be gently massaged out. Failing this it can become necessary for a veterinarian to break the egg inside and remove all broken parts. If broken, the oviduct should be well cleaned of any shell fragments and egg residue to avoid potential infection or damage.


Suspected causes for egg binding:


Hypocalcaemia Syndrome associated with low calcium levels within the blood. It is advised to supplement the breeding hen with a rich in calcium and Vitamin D diet. It’s an important factor in preventing this problem. You could also prepare a dish filled with crushed egg shells (from boiled eggs to ensure to kill any bacteria) and/or attach a mineral/provide block to the coop.


An inactive lifestyle. It’s often the case when birds, (especially chickens) are kept in coops/enclosures that are far too small for them. The lack of exercise causes poor muscle development and obesity.


At particular risk are sick or older birds.


Clinical Signs of Egg Binding:


Depression, loss of appetite, abdominal straining, and sitting fluffed up in the bottom of the coop. Some hens may pass larger than normal wet droppings while others may be unable to pass any droppings due to the egg's interference with normal defecation.


If you believe that your bird is egg bound, she should be seen immediately by a veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian may be able to feel for the egg inside the bird's abdomen. An x-ray may be required to confirm the actual diagnosis. It’s common that medical treatment will allow the hen to pass her egg. Sometimes surgery is necessary.


Complications from becoming egg bound can be bleeding, swelling or prolapse of the oviduct.


Treatment For Egg Binding:


If in doubt as to whether the hen is egg bound or not, it’s recommend to create separation, a warm bath and calcium to all hens that seem distressed when in lay. This life threatening condition must be taken seriously and with extreme care. It should be addressed by a qualified avian veterinarian. Your vet may discuss the following:


* Calcium shots. An immediate solution to allow the egg shell to harden,  allowing the hen to hopefully pass it through.
* Lupron shots to prevent hens from going into a breeding condition.
* Spaying your hen is a permanent solution.


Please remember these actions are designed to help resolve egg binding for some birds. Unfortunately not all hens can be saved. Especially if the situation is critical by the time the problem was discovered and no veterinarian is available or can be reached in time. Egg-bound hens often enter a cardiovascular collapse and may be unable to push out the egg without intervention.


Suspected egg binding:


* Keep your hen in a warm area.

* Place the hen into a steamy room, such as bathroom with a shower on until the mirrors and windows steam up.

* A desired temperature is around 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. With a suitable humidity of 60%.

* Place your hen on wet towel. The warmth can relax the hen so that she can dilate more thus allowing the egg to pass.


A warm water bath can be a source of great help (shallow water of course). This can relax her muscles and usually the hen will pass the egg into the water. Make the water is as warm but not scalding.


Massage around her muscles in that area with olive oil. With many cases, this can lead to a successful passing of the egg. Please remember, there is a risk associated with massaging this area. It can cause the egg inside to break which can be fatal. If in doubt, it's always best to allow a veterinarian to take care of it.


Applying an over the counter lubricant, such as KY jelly to the area may also be helpful.


Successful Passing of the Egg:


Following the passing of the egg keep your hen in a warm and quiet area; preferably separate from the others until she is out of shock and returns to drinking and eating correctly.