My budgie has a swollen vent. Is it egg binding? What can I do?

Unfortunately, without an in person exam, it would be hard to say what exactly is going on. Egg-binding can definitely cause an obstruction and protrusion like pictured, as can issues with the vent being clogged with stool or underlying illness. If you suspect egg binding, you can try putting her in a warm water bath to help break up any stool crusted to her vent and to help the muscles to relax some to see if she can pass the egg. Since budgie eggs are so delicate I wouldn't recommend trying to remove it on your own as it can easily break inside her. Moving her to a hospital cage that is kept warm and with low perches/easy access to food can also help, as can catching her to help keep her vent clean and free of debris. I would also bring her back to a vet ASAP if the medication given is not helping.

If you suspect Kiwi is egg bound it would be best to bring her to a vet. While you can attempt to remove the egg yourself with gentle massage with olive oil or vaseline, you risk breaking the egg inside of her which can lead to infection and severe complications. In the future, feeding a balanced diet and additional calcium can help prevent egg binding, but in the case of a currently stuck egg or other protrusion, vet care ASAP is best.

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.

It's possible there could be another egg ready to lay, or Peach could have an egg that is stuck and causing the swelling. Egg binding is a serious issue that should be seen by a vet ASAP to have it treated. If you cannot get to a vet right away, you can check for a stuck egg and gently lubricate the vent to try and get it to come out, however you run the risk of the egg breaking and causing more problems for Peach. In the future, feeding her extra calcium supplements can help as well, however if the swelling continues and she doesn't lay the egg, veterinary care is needed.

Laying so many clutches of eggs and raising that many chicks can be taxing on a bird. Ideally, a breeding hen should have no more than two clutches per calendar year. Remove the remaining chicks from the cage if they are eating on their own. Remove the nesting box as well. Separate the male and female. Drop room temperature by a few degrees and gradually limit her amount of daylight she is getting. This may get her out of "breeding mode" and stop her egg laying. She should be seen by an experienced avian veterinarian to make sure the inflammation around her vent is not infection.

Thanks for reaching out about Sunshine and including photos. The abdomen appears swollen, could be egg binding, a mass (tumor) or accumulation of fluid (ascites). A veterinary visit is recommended the sooner the better, as this can develop into something serious quickly. Monitor appetite and water intake. Clean the vent area with warm water if feces accumulates. Good luck.