My zebra finch is egg-bound and straining. What can I do now?

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 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.

It sounds as if your female may be sick and it would be best to bring her to a vet ASAP. It is possible she is exhausted from laying the eggs due to malnutrition, has an illness, or even has a stuck egg that is making her ill. Seeking veterinary care in person ASAP is best to try and get her feeling better. You may also need to separate her into a warm hospital cage until you can get to the vet to help make her more comfortable and reduce stress.

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.

If Fifi is acting weak or sick while trying to lay an egg she needs to be seen by an avian veterinarian. Egg binding is when a bird cannot normally pass her egg and can be a life threatening condition. Here is some more information https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/egg-binding-in-birds https://lafeber.com/vet/wp-content/uploads/Egg-laying-problems-Klaphake.pdf If you need to find an avian vet, start here https://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803

Thanks for reaching out about Liberty. There is the possibility of egg binding but they usually show clinical signs such as a swollen abdomen. An egg in the lower abdomen can place pressure on the nerves going to the legs, making standing or clenching difficult. Lower back problems, metabolic problems (liver, kidney) and tumors are also possibilities. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range could give assistance. If egg bound this long, the likelihood of the egg being adhered to the uterus is high, therefore medical management might be difficult but worth trying. Good luck.

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.