If your hen has not eaten any food or shown any interest in her feed for a day, she could be egg bound. An egg bound hen will likely not drink any water. When you are observing her eating habits, pay attention to whether or not she defecates. An egg bound hen will sometimes have trouble relieving herself.
There are other behavioral signs to look for. Take notice if she goes in and out of her nest repeatedly. Remember that hens will sometimes take a break from laying for other reasons, such as an intense heat wave. That is why it is important to look for multiple behavioral and physical symptoms when monitoring your hen.
Your chicken will appear like she is trying to lay an egg. Abdominal straining is a symptom of being egg bound, along with a hard abdomen. Pay attention to your hen’s feces. Egg bound hens will often have watery diarrhea.
You will also need some type of lubricant. You can use vegetable oil or petroleum jelly. An egg bound chicken can die within 48 hours of not being able to pass an egg. If you are going to treat your chicken at home, do it sooner rather than later.
If she doesn’t object, have her sit in a warm tub of water for about 30 minutes. Try keeping her in a steamy room. A small bathroom with a hot shower running is ideal. The temperature should be between 80-90 degrees. The heat will help her muscles relax so that she can more easily pass the egg. [6] X Research source
This method is often successful, but it is important to very carefully handle your egg bound chicken. Use light pressure so that you do not accidentally break the egg inside of her. While you are treating your chicken, keep her hydrated. You can offer her water with electrolytes.
Give your chicken some time to relax. Leave her alone in a warm space for about 30 minutes and then check back on her. If the egg has not passed after massage and lubricant, you may want to consider taking further action. It is possible to insert a sharp object into your chicken to break the egg. However, this is not recommended. The egg shell could shatter and puncture the chicken’s uterus.
He may recommend giving her a calcium shot, which will help the hen to pass the egg. If this problem is chronic or hereditary, the vet may recommend spaying your chicken.
Egg binding can be passed down between generations. There may be nothing you can do to prevent your hen from becoming egg bound. An abnormal egg can also cause binding. This occurs when an egg is overly large or an odd shape.
If her calcium levels are low, you can try placing a calcium block in her coop. Ask your vet before giving her any supplements. If you live in an area with limited sunshine, your chicken might need more vitamin D. Consider adding sun lamps to her enclosure.
Scatter her food widely so that she will have to walk in order to get to it. Let her remain outside of her coop for a few hours each day.
