Egg binding is when a fertile female bird struggles to release an egg from her body naturally. This is an extremely uncomfortable, painful condition that can become fatal if not properly addressed. Egg binding disproportionately impacts smaller birds like canaries and finches, yet it can affect any pet bird. It’s important to understand the signs of egg binding so you can act to save your bird’s life. Here are the symptoms.
1. Straining and Rapid Breathing
Straining is one of the most common signs of egg binding in birds. This is where the fertile female bird (called a “hen”) attempts to expel the egg from her body. Owners will notice the bird visibly shaking. It’s very unpleasant for the affected hen who can suffer internal injuries the longer she strains.
Rapid breathing is another common sign of egg binding. Her chest may heave, with her breathing even becoming audible. It’s tough to identify rapid breathing in smaller songbirds (like budgies) but easier to detect in domestic fowl. Consult your bird’s vet if her condition doesn’t improve quickly.
2. Constipation and Weight Loss
Constipation and weight loss are two symptoms of egg binding that go hand in hand.
It’s common for egg-bound birds to experience weight loss because they don’t want to eat. The pressure of the egg on their abdomen makes it too painful and uncomfortable for them to swallow food. Subsequently, the bird will start to rapidly lose weight, all while the bound egg prevents them from defecating.
Weight loss is a symptom of many common health conditions in birds, so it may be challenging to diagnose egg binding from this alone. Nonetheless, be attentive to your birds’ regular size and weight, so you can intervene if something goes wrong.
Constipation can also be a symptom of other issues like poor diet or another disease. Regularly examine your birds’ droppings because they may be darker or drier than usual. In some cases, the bird may not produce any. This is a clear sign that something is wrong and requires veterinary attention.
3. Swelling Around the Vent
A swollen abdomen and/or vent (the orifice where the eggs exit) is very specific to egg binding. Swollen abdomens are a very clear sign of this condition. Birds may also have an inflamed vent from straining to release the egg. The orifice will be a livid red color. It’s crucial to seek veterinary attention for this immediately because the trauma could prove fatal for the bird.
4. Lethargy or Lack of Movement A duck nest full of eggs. Image Credit: Morning Chores.
Your pet bird may be unusually inactive for several reasons. First, the effort of straining to release an egg is exhausting, and they simply may not have the energy to move or fly normally. While lethargy can be a symptom of poor diet (which can be easily corrected), sometimes, it can point to a more sinister condition, like egg binding.
Lameness may occur if the stuck egg damages the nerves in the bird’s legs. Here, the affected bird won’t be able to stand and just sit on the cage floor. The egg can also intensely pressure the spine and in the worst cases cause paralysis. This means that the bird will be unable to fly or even perch in the cage. Consult a vet immediately if your pet becomes suddenly lethargic or immobile; both are very risky for its long-term health.
5. Ruffled Feathers and Fewer Vocalizations
Ruffled feathers commonly occur in sick birds. Their feathers may lose their sheen and appear more disheveled. It’s also very common for birds to sing less when they’re not completely healthy. They don’t have the energy because of their physical condition. These are not definitive symptoms of egg binding in birds but can occur. Always contact an avian vet if you’re not sure about your pet’s health.
Options for Treating Egg Binding
It’s possible to treat eggbound birds at home if the symptoms aren’t too severe, and you’ve caught the condition early. Here’s what to know:
- Ensure your bird gets enough fluids. Dehydration is a very common side effect of egg binding and makes it even more challenging to pass the egg.
- Introduce a heat source into their enclosure for them to nest on.
- If you have a chicken, soak them in water, as this may help them pass the egg.
Bring your bird to the vet if the condition progresses and they show serious symptoms, like blurry eyes, being unresponsive, and breathing heavily. The vet will offer different solutions depending on the severity of the case. Antibiotics and calcium injections may be enough.
In the worst cases, they may apply anesthesia and operate while the bird is asleep. This can involve manually removing the egg by breaking it with a speculum and extracting it. They may even remove the egg surgically.
How to Prevent Egg Binding in Birds
Preventing egg binding is easier than treating it. A nutrient deficiency is the main cause of this condition. Unfortunately, this often happens to chickens kept in industrial farming complexes. In these cases, the affected birds lack enough vitamin C or calcium because they’ve produced too many eggs. If new bird owners care for their pets properly, they massively reduce the risk.
Avian keepers can also remove any potential mates from their cage or enclosure. This reduces the natural instinct to lay eggs for reproduction. Avoid over-petting birds because this can stimulate their egg production, too. The bad news is that some popular pet birds (like cockatiels) are naturally more susceptible to egg binding. Metabolic problems and tumors can increase the risk of suffering from this condition. Always do your research before getting a pet bird and educate yourself on species-specific health risks.
