Egg binding in birds/poultry

Egg binding is the condition where an egg gets stuck in the oviduct (normally the shelling gland) or the entrance to the cloaca.

There can be a number of causes that can increase the risk of this happening. It’s important to realise this is a medical emergency and needs to be correctly identified as the problem and appropriately managed to have a good outcome for the bird.

First ascertain if this is actually the problem, as egg binding, ascites and egg peritonitis can all appear quite similar initially.

Causes of Egg Binding

Hypocalcaemia

For poultry, if they are on predominantly a good quality layer pellet this is very rarely the problem, especially if they have ad lib access to shell grit and can free range for bugs etc. Birds that are feed predominantly a whole grain mix with minimal area to free range are more at risk of developing low calcium levels.

Calcium metabolism is a constant balance with the bird absorbing calcium in the diet and storing excess amounts in the bones which it then draws on when blood calcium levels drop. Blood levels vary greatly depending on where in the egg cycle the bird is with maximum amounts being used when the shelling gland is depositing the shell material around the egg. If the shelling gland uses calcium faster than what the body can mobilise from blood stores then blood levels can drop below optimum. The muscles that push the egg down and out need calcium to help cause muscle contractions. If the blood levels are too low these muscles cant contract strongly enough to fail to push the egg on and out.

Giving calcium supplements might help if caught early enough however an injection by your veterinarian will be more effective if this the actual issue and many of these birds are often in pain and suffering additional electrolyte imbalances that can be addressed by your veterinarian.

For birds other than poultry, especially parrots on a predominantly seed diet with few greens, this is a very real possibility and veterinary attention should be sought to solve the immediate issue. This should be followed with an investigation into dietary and husbandry changes to prevent future episodes.

Egg too big

First time layers that start laying before they have finished growing occasionally lay eggs bigger than they can pass. Most start small and work their way up in size but some birds especially ones bred for egg production especially egg size, are more likely to start with eggs bigger than what can easily pass between the pin bones.

In older birds obesity or being too fat is a very strong risk factor for becoming egg bound. Hens store fat predominantly in the abdomen just below the cloaca and around the pin bones. Excessive fat stores then make it difficult for the egg to pass out of the oviduct.

IMPORTANT: if you can feel a layer of fat over your birds breast bone or a semi squishy area beneath the cloaca she is overweight! If this bird is a chicken please seek advice from your vet regarding managing overweight poultry. For other species please also seek veterinary advice as each species nutritional requirements are very specific.

Double yolkers in poultry are a common cause of egg binding and generally occur when there is sudden excess feed or excessive protein in the diet in particular Lysine.

Large eggs are more likely to occur in Spring and Summer when the increasing day length is maximally stimulating the reproductive system.

Trauma/Infection of the cloaca or oviduct

Trauma or infection of the cloaca or oviduct (known as salpingitis) cause egg binding due to secondary scarring that occurs after the inflammation and infection is cleared. Most birds going through salpingitis will be completely off the lay until infection is cleared (though some commercial lines will still lay eggs intermittently.

Some infections are viral in origin, not bacterial and can cause inflammation and production of soft shell eggs or complete cessation of laying but minimal other outward signs. These viral infections can still cause scarring of the oviduct muscle, and lead to issues passing eggs when the reproductive system starts up again.

If your bird goes through a bout of salpingitis it can be worthwhile considering placing an implant to stop egg laying afterwards or before the following season starts to give the area as much time to heal as possible. These are not cheap (about $150) and in some species need a short general anaesthetic to be safely placed. Implants effects vary greatly, in commercial poultry this can be two to three months effect from them. In heritage breeds and parrots the effect is anywhere from 3-9 months.

If your bird has prolapsed secondary to passing a large egg its important this is properly managed with rapid replacement and anti-inflammatories +/- antibiotics to prevent ascending infection and subsequent laying issues later.

At home treatment in poultry

If you feel egg binding is the problem and your bird is not in respiratory distress or weak you can try the following, which may potentially help her pass the egg at home. Please note: it is essential you don’t wait too long before seeking professional assistance if none of these help:

• Warm epsom salt bath for 10-15 minutes, it only needs to be deep enough to submerge the lower belly area and the bird needs to be supervised in case she collapses so as not to drown, another equally effective method is to just soak a towel in the warm water and place her on top of it in a cage. The epsom salts can help relax the abdominal muscles and the water ensures the vent area is well hydrated.

• Keep the bird in a darkened area, this helps promote relaxation of the muscles and stimulate the laying muscles.

• Apply lubricant to the vent area with a gloved hand or carefully insert a syringe filled with lube into the oviduct. Both the intestines and oviduct enter into the cloaca, the oviduct generally enters from the top and should have absolutely no faecal material in it.

• Offer water with electrolytes in it if drinking to help with possible hydration issues.

PLEASE DO NOT attempt to collapse the egg within the bird and massage out without experienced help as this is very prone to causing damage to the oviduct if not done carefully. If none of the above things help within 2-6 hours please seek professional help.