My hen is egg bound. What should I do to help her pass the egg?

You can soak her in a warm bath deep enough to submerge her vent for 15-20 minutes. Then use a bit of olive oil around the vent to help her lay. If this is not successful, have her seen by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian.

Most birds will lay one egg every other day. The condition is more common in smaller breeds, and can be more serious as well. Ideally, she should be examined by a veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian. If one is unavailable right now, provide supplemental heat, about 90 F. Soak her for 20-30 minutes in a warm Epsom salt solution, enough to submerge her vent. Dry thoroughly then use a sterile lubricant (or vegetable oil) around the vent. Monitor for lethargy, straining or difficulty breathing. If she develops any of these symptoms, she should be seen at the nearest veterinary ER immediately. Be sure to feed a balanced diet and provide a cuttlebone or mineral block for additional calcium. Limit seeds and offer mainly a commercial pelleted diet (Harrison's, Lafeber, KayTee Exact or Pretty Bird) supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Thanks for reaching out about Phil, and a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and help. A egg is often palpable in the lower coelom, near the cloaca (but not always). Using olive oil can be difficult and can cause more damage, so is not recommended. Providing a warm nest area (heat support) and offering oral water can give some energy. Good luck.

If you feel something round inside Duno's vent, it is possible that she is egg bound and unable to pass the egg. Egg binding is life threatening, and requires veterinary attention immediately, as the hen will die without treatment. I would find a vet to bring Duno into right away.

If Katrin is egg bound she will likely be unable to pass the egg on her own. In most cases, this requires veterinary care as incorrectly trying to remove the egg can cause it to break inside the vent which can lead to infection. If you're already feeding her a proper diet, soaking her bottom in warm water, or using a little olive oil around her vent may help to pass the egg gently without breaking it.

There is nothing you can feed to induce egg laying. If Kiwi is presently egg bound, an exam with your veterinarian or an experienced avian vet would be strongly recommended. If this is not possible, soak her in a warm bath for about 30 minutes deep enough to cover her vent. A dab of olive oil around the vent may facilitate passing of the egg.

Thanks for reaching out about Lola. How do you know she is egg bound and not abdominal (coelomic) fluid? Is she has been egg bound for 5 days, that is serious and a veterinary visit is recommended ASAP. Try placing her cage in a steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes. Most egg binding could be associated with a calcium deficiency so offering dark greens is important. The environment should be warm, 80-85 F range, 24/7. If she does not lay by tomorrow morning, you should see a veterinarian. Good luck.