How can I tell if my bird is egg bound?
Many bird owners are unaware of the gender of their bird and frequently do not think that egg binding is the source of the illness in their bird. An avian veterinarian’s comprehensive examination will assist in identifying the underlying cause of your bird’s illness. If egg binding is the cause of the illness, a calcified egg in the abdomen is frequently visible on an X-ray.
When an egg forms as a follicle on the ovary, a healthy female bird should pass the egg within 24 to 48 hours of the follicle forming. An avian’s reproductive cycle is determined by its species, age, and overall health. Birds that are egg-bound display the following symptoms:
- could have passed an egg in the previous 48 hours or not;
- are typically feeble, don’t perch, and frequently sit low on the perch or the cage’s bottom;
- are typically straining, as though attempting to lay an egg or excrete;
- usually have a noticeable swelling of the abdomen;
- occasionally have an egg protruding from the vent, or it might be held in the cloaca, or oviductthe common chamber containing the gastrointestinal, urinary, and reproductive tractsand then prolapse or have tissue forced out of the vent; and
- if the egg presses against the nerves controlling the legs, it might not be able to stand or might have problems gripping the perch.
Diagnostic testing is necessary to properly diagnose sick birds because symptoms related to egg binding can also be seen in birds with other illnesses.
How Do You Know if Your Bird is Egg-bound?
A female bird straining to pass an egg is the most common clinical sign observed by most owners of birds that are egg-bound. Since the hen is frequently producing little to no droppings, some owners may misinterpret this as the bird straining to poop. The bird’s abdomen may appear bloated or enlarged as a result of internal pressure. , and occasionally, particularly after flying, she might experience some difficulty breathing. Additionally, owners might observe that the bird is eating less, sleeping more than usual, and generally appearing sluggish and uninterested. and fluffed up. When prolonged straining reaches a more advanced stage, the oviductthe tube that an egg or ovum exits the ovary through can become prolapsed, with the egg stuck within the tissue.
Are certain birds prone to develop egg binding?
Yes. While any female bird can become egg bound, small birdssuch as budgerigars (parakeets), canaries, cockatiels, finches, and lovebirdsfrequently experience issues with egg laying.
FAQ
Can birds poop while egg bound?
Can an egg bound chicken still poop?
How long can an egg bound bird live?