My hen keeps getting eggbound. Is this a chronic issue I should worry about?

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.

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.

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.

It's possible that an egg broke during the massage and that was the fluid released, or she may have been constipated and released a lot of stool at once, however it is best to schedule a veterinary exam to rule out any possible infection or other underlying cause, especially if she is having repeated egg-binding. Making sure she has access to calcium can help prevent egg-binding, either by offering "egg-food" treats, or cuttle bone. You can also remove any nesting material and nests in her environment to try and discourage breeding and egg laying.

Thanks for reaching out about Ringo Starr. Laying imperfect eggs and sitting quietly could be a sign of egg binding or other reproductive diseases. If she is eating well and otherwise not looking in distress, then monitoring her is okay for a few days. Ensure her diet is adequate, to replace calcium that is being lost due to egg laying. If she continues to isolate herself or her signs of illness progress, an avian veterinarian examination should be scheduled. Good luck.

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.

Thanks for reaching out about Luna. Not eating is the main concern, as even if hormonal, should be eating. The weight gain could be fecal/urine retention, or water weight since not eating. If egg bound is worrisome, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Try offering food by hand. Provide heat support in the 80-85 F range for aid. Good luck.