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My bird seems egg bound. What are the symptoms and home remedies?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Hi I think I have an egg bound bird. She’s been laying eggs every other day except for 1 day where she layed it the next day. I came home today to her 4th egg but I see her on the bottom of the cage with her bottom up and puffed out. There’s a bit of poo there. I picked her up gently and can feel and see a bulge between her legs. Is it just another egg about to come? Or is she bound? She has already laid one today. The vet is closed already and won’t be open til Monday.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Angel Alvarado, LVT

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on November 25th, 2017

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.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on December 15th, 2017

    Calcium likely won't work if there is already an egg stuck and partially formed, however it will help for future issues and replenishing calcium supplies from this egg. It would be best to try and seek veterinary care ASAP from a local emergency vet if you can't get into your regular vet until Monday, especially if she is screeching or in pain.

    You may also try to add a little vaseline or vegetable oil lubrication around the vent opening or gently soak your bird's lower half in a tub of warm water to help things loosen up and pass.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on March 2nd, 2018

    It is possible Bady has a stuck egg if she has been laying a clutch and is now having problems. Seeking veterinary care is best to check if there is a stuck egg and to have it safely removed. You may notice swelling of her abdomen, straining to go "potty" without results, or other protrusions if this is the case. Lack of calcium can lead to egg binding and weakness, so providing a calcium supplement in the future can help.

    If she is very weak and having trouble breathing, seeking veterinary care ASAP is needed. You can try to move her to a separate hospital cage that is kept warm and with access to food and water, however if she is struggling, the sooner you can get care the better.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Health & Wellness
My parakeet is egg bound for 5 days. What home treatment can I try?
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.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My parakeet is egg bound. What lubricant is safe to help her?
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.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My parrot has egg binding, are there any home remedies to help?
I'm sorry to hear about your bird passing. While calcium can be given at home in addition to a balanced diet to help prevent egg binding, it can be hard to treat once it has happened. In some cases, vaseline or olive oil can be used on the vent to gently massage the egg out, however, if the egg is stuck and blocks stool passage, or if it breaks within the body, it can lead to illness and infection that may not be treatable in time. Egg binding is usually considered a serious medical emergency that should be seen by a vet, but even if being treated can still sometimes lead to the bird passing away.
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My lovebird is egg bound. What can I do to help her lay an egg?
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.
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My budgie has a swollen vent. Is it egg binding? What can I do?
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.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
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My hen is egg bound. What should I do to help her pass the egg?
Soak her in a warm Epsom salt bath for about 30 minutes. The water should be deep enough to fully submerge her vent. Afterwards, dab a bit of olive oil or vegetable oil around her vent. this may help her pass the egg. if she still cannot pass it, she will need to be seen by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating domestic fowl.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My zebra finch is egg-bound and straining. What can I do now?
Thanks for reaching out about Piper. You need to see a veterinarian as soon as possible even if not an avian veterinarian. Heat support can give aid but is not a treatment. Calcium deficiencies are common reasons for egg binding, but just giving oral medications won't be enough. You need to see a local veterinarian, even if this means an emergency visit today. Good luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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