My parakeet is egg bound. What lubricant is safe to help her?

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

I am sorry to hear about your bird. This is a condition that requires veterinary care. In some cases, increase in humidity, lubrication of the cloacal area, and administration of supplements and medication called oxytocin that can help expulsion of the egg. If this isn't successful or possible then sometimes manual removal or surgical intervention is needed. You can read more about this at http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1829&aid=3060. Also, FYI, the photos you have attached are of parakeets aka budgerigars, not love birds.