Egg Binding in Birds: When to Seek Emergency Vet Help

Birds grow eggs inside their bodies and then lay them once fully formed. In some instances, the egg becomes stuck inside the bird and they are said to be ‘egg-bound’. This is a critical situation that can quickly become life-threatening.

While any bird can become egg-bound, it is seen most frequently in smaller avian species including budgies, finches and canaries. This higher risk is likely linked to the smaller size of their reproductive tract.

What Is Egg Binding in Birds?

When the egg is stuck inside the female bird and she cannot lay it, this is egg binding. Most of the time, birds lay eggs without issue, but there are occasions when the egg remains stubbornly inside.

What Causes Egg Binding in Birds?

Several factors are known to contribute to egg binding.

Nutritional and Dietary Factors

Nutritional deficiencies are often implicated, with a lack of calcium, selenium, vitamin e, and Vitamin D being especially problematic. Many pet birds are fed on a seed-based diet which is nutritionally lacking, increasing their risk of egg binding.

Calcium Deficiency and Eggshell Problems

Low calcium is a common cause of egg binding as this leads to weakened shells and weak oviduct contractions, meaning the egg is not pushed along the reproductive tract as it should be.

Additional Causes

For some birds, there is more at play. This can include obesity, old age, and improper laying environments.

Indeed, one study found that aged hens have more inflammation within their reproductive tract and ciliary defects in their oviduct, making egg binding far more likely.

Less commonly, the patient has an underlying medical condition such as a reproductive tract infection or tumour.

What Are the Clinical Signs of Egg Binding in Birds?

Small birds typically become unwell quickly, developing obvious and worrying symptoms in a short space of time.

Straining and Difficulty Passing Eggs

Birds can be seen to visibly strain in an effort to pass the egg which is stuck. It may look like she is trying to defecate.

Lethargy and Changes in Behaviour

Your bird may become weak and spend more time sleeping and at the bottom of her cage. You may also find she is less social and off her food.

Abdominal Swelling and Other Symptoms

The egg causes abdominal swelling which can be both felt and seen. For some birds, there may be a portion of the egg bulging from the cloaca.

Is Egg Binding in Birds an Emergency?

Yes, egg binding can be life-threatening and requires urgent care.

Why Egg Binding Can Become Life-Threatening

As the retained egg is an obstruction, it causes difficulty passing waste. The egg will press on internal structures and cause localised pain and difficulty breathing. There is also a high risk of egg cracking and causing peritonitis.

When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Help

If you suspect there is a chance your bird is egg-bound, contact an emergency vet right away.

Please note that even females who have never been near a male will ovulate and can become egg-bound.

Time-Sensitive Nature of the Condition

Egg binding can lead to a fatal outcome within a very short period of time. The sooner the bird sees a vet for treatment, the better her outcome.

How Do Veterinarians Diagnose Egg Binding?

Your vet will be suspicious of the diagnosis if you are bringing in a female bird who looks swollen or who has been straining.

Physical Examination

The veterinarian will feel for the outline of the egg when gently pressing on the abdomen.

Imaging

Imaging including X-ray or ultrasound can be used to confirm the diagnosis. Ultrasound is more effective for diagnosing egg binding when the shell has not formed properly and cannot be easily viewed on X-ray.

How Is Egg Binding in Birds Treated?

The therapy varies from one individual to another as it does depend on how unwell the bird is and how large the obstruction is.

Supportive Veterinary Care and Stabilisation

The initial priority will be in stabilising the bird. Key actions include keeping the bird calm and warm, providing fluids and pain relief and supplementing oxygen if required.

Medical Treatment to Help Egg Passage

Medicines including injectable calcium and oxytocin can be given to help stimulate contractions and move the egg along the reproductive tract and out of the body.

Egg Removal and Surgical Intervention

Sometimes, a vet will sedate the bird and use copious lubrication to help them expel the egg.

When this is ineffective, your vet may need to pierce the egg using a needle to aspirate its contents so that she can then pass the shrunken shell.

In rare cases, surgery is performed to search for and remove the egg, particularly if it is not near the vent.

Can Egg Binding in Birds Be Prevented?

Certain measures should help ensure your bird does not become egg-bound.

Diet and Calcium Supplementation

Keep your bird on a balanced diet consisting of pellets and some fresh fruit and vegetables. Seeds and nuts should only be given as a rare treat.

Proper Cage Setup and Environment

The bird should not be exposed to more than 8 hours of sunlight a day.

Remove any nesting materials or boxes from their cage. Do not physically stimulate them by stroking their feathers, particularly around their lower back area.

Do not remove eggs that have been laid. Leave the egg (or a fake one) in the cage for at least three weeks.

Ongoing Health

You’ll want to ensure your pet is a healthy weight, and obese birds should be put on a diet plan. This usually includes tightly restricting seeds and nuts and encouraging more movement.

Get Veterinary Advice for Your Bird

Please contact our emergency vet if you have any questions about your feathered friend, or you suspect your female is egg-bound.

Egg Binding in Birds: FAQs

What causes egg binding in birds?

Egg binding is often linked to improper diet and low calcium levels. Obesity and old age frequently play a role too.

How quickly does egg binding become serious?

Within hours, an egg-bound bird can become critically unwell.

Can egg binding resolve on its own?

It is rare for an egg-bound bird to pass the egg without assistance.

How can egg binding in birds be prevented?

It is helpful to offer a balanced diet and to ensure your bird is well hydrated and a healthy weight. Owners are also advised to limit sunlight hours and to remove egg boxes and nesting material from the cage.