Egg bound chicken
Have you ever walked into your coop to find one of your favorite hens looking miserable, hunched over, and struggling to lay? If so, you might be dealing with an egg-bound chicken – a serious and potentially fatal condition that requires immediate attention.
As a chicken keeper for over 15 years, I’ve had my share of scary moments with egg-bound hens. Trust me when I say this is one situation where knowledge is truly power! In this article, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about what causes a chicken to be egg bound and how you can help your feathered friend survive this dangerous condition.
What Exactly Is Egg Binding?
Before diving into the causes, let’s understand what egg binding actually is. Egg binding occurs when a hen has an egg that gets stuck somewhere in her oviduct typically between the uterus (shell gland) and the cloaca. The hen simply cannot pass the egg which leads to a dangerous situation.
This isn’t just uncomfortable for your hen – it’s potentially deadly. When a hen is ready to lay, her cloaca closes off the opening to her intestines to prevent contamination of the egg. If she remains egg bound, she can’t poop! Without intervention, an egg-bound chicken can die within 24-48 hours due to this blockage.
The 7 Main Causes of Egg Binding in Chickens
1. Calcium Deficiency
The most common cause of egg binding is insufficient calcium Calcium plays two crucial roles in egg laying
- It helps form a hard eggshell that moves more easily through the oviduct
- It’s essential for proper muscle contractions in the oviduct and shell gland
Without adequate calcium, your hen’s muscles won’t contract properly to push the egg out, and the egg itself may be too soft to move smoothly through the reproductive tract.
2. Poor Nutrition and Diet
Beyond just calcium, overall nutrition plays a major role in preventing egg binding. Your chickens need:
- Vitamin D3 (to properly metabolize calcium)
- Magnesium and phosphorus in the right proportions
- Adequate protein for egg production
- Balanced layer feed as their primary diet
When chickens fill up on treats instead of their layer feed, they miss out on these vital nutrients. This is especially problematic in summer when hens naturally eat less due to heat.
3. Dehydration
Water is absolutely vital for the egg-laying process! A dehydrated hen will have a dry oviduct, making it difficult for eggs to pass through smoothly. Always ensure your flock has access to clean, fresh water – especially during hot weather when dehydration is more likely.
I’ve noticed my girls sometimes refuse to drink if their water is too warm or dirty, so I’ve made it a habit to change water twice daily during summer and add ice cubes on particularly hot days.
4. Obesity and Lack of Exercise
Fat, sedentary hens are prime candidates for egg binding. Here’s why:
- Extra fat in the abdomen can physically compress the oviduct
- Inactive hens have poor muscle tone, making it harder to push out eggs
- Obesity can lead to weaker contractions in the reproductive tract
This is why free-ranging is so beneficial – it keeps your chickens moving and in better physical condition.
5. Abnormal Eggs (Size, Shape, Double Yolks)
Sometimes the problem isn’t the hen but the egg itself. Abnormally large or oddly-shaped eggs can easily become lodged in the oviduct. This includes:
- Jumbo-sized eggs that are too large for the hen’s body
- Double-yolked eggs (which tend to be supersized)
- Eggs with unusual shapes that don’t move smoothly through the oviduct
Young pullets laying their first eggs and older hens at the end of their laying career are most susceptible to egg binding from abnormal eggs.
6. Age-Related Factors
Speaking of age, it’s a significant factor in egg binding:
For young pullets:
- Starting to lay too early (before 20 weeks)
- Immature reproductive systems not fully developed
- First eggs can be irregular in size and shape
For older hens:
- Weakened muscles that don’t contract as effectively
- Less frequent laying leading to reduced muscle tone
- More likely to produce abnormal eggs
7. Stress and Reproductive Issues
Finally, stress and underlying reproductive problems can cause egg binding:
- Predator pressure causing hens to “hold” their eggs
- Insufficient nesting boxes (hens need privacy to lay)
- Reproductive tract infections or inflammation
- Genetic predisposition (especially in production breeds)
- Internal parasites affecting overall health
Warning Signs Your Chicken Is Egg Bound
Catching egg binding early is crucial for saving your hen. Here are the symptoms to watch for:
- Penguin-like waddle – A distinctive walking pattern where the hen looks uncomfortable
- Frequent visits to the nest box with no egg production
- Straining – You might see her tail moving up and down as she tries to pass the egg
- Lethargy and depression – Sitting fluffed up, looking miserable
- Decreased appetite and drinking
- Abdominal swelling or a hard abdomen
- No droppings or watery diarrhea
- Pale comb and wattles
- Labored breathing or panting
- Shaky wings and visible discomfort
If your hen shows several of these symptoms, it’s time to check if she’s egg bound.
How to Confirm Egg Binding
The most reliable way to diagnose egg binding is through a gentle internal exam:
- Put on a latex glove and apply lubricant (K-Y Jelly or Vaseline) to your index finger
- Gently insert your finger into the vent, going straight back (not down)
- Feel for the egg – it’s usually within the first 1-2 inches of the oviduct
- If you feel a hard egg, your hen is definitely egg bound
Emergency Treatment for Egg Binding
If you confirm your hen is egg bound, don’t panic! Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Quarantine and Calm
Move your hen to a quiet, warm (60-65°F), dimly lit area with soft bedding. Stress will only make the situation worse.
Step 2: Provide Calcium
Give your hen calcium immediately to help stimulate contractions:
- Crushed Tums/Rolaids tablets
- Powdered calcium supplement mixed with baby food
- Liquid calcium if available
Step 3: Warm Bath Treatment
This is often the most effective immediate treatment:
- Fill a sink or basin with warm water (75-80°F)
- Add 1 cup of Epsom salts to the water
- Place your hen’s lower body in the water for 15-20 minutes
- Hold her gently if needed – most hens actually enjoy the relief
- After the bath, dry her thoroughly with a towel and blow dryer
Step 4: Lubrication and Gentle Massage
After the bath:
- Apply lubricant (olive oil, Vaseline) to the vent area
- Gently massage her abdomen from front to back
- Be extremely careful not to break the egg inside her
- Apply Preparation H to reduce any swelling around the vent
Step 5: Monitor and Repeat if Necessary
Place her in a quiet recovery area and watch for the egg to pass. If it doesn’t pass within an hour, repeat the warm bath and massage process.
Last Resort Options
If these methods don’t work after a few attempts, you have two options:
Option 1: Veterinary Care (Preferred)
Take your hen to an avian vet who can:
- Perform x-rays to confirm the egg’s position
- Administer hormonal injections to increase contractions
- Safely remove the egg if necessary
Option 2: Manual Egg Removal (Emergency Only)
If you can’t get to a vet and the situation is dire:
- If you can see the egg at the vent, use a large-bore needle (18-gauge) to puncture the shell
- Carefully drain the contents with a syringe
- Gently collapse the shell while keeping the membrane intact
- Remove the shell fragments very carefully
- Flush the area with warm saline solution
WARNING: Breaking an egg inside a hen is risky! Sharp shell fragments can cut the oviduct and cause infection or bleeding. Only attempt this as a last resort.
How to Prevent Egg Binding in Your Flock
Prevention is always better than treatment. Here’s how to keep your hens egg-binding free:
1. Nutrition Management
- Feed a high-quality layer feed formulated specifically for laying hens
- Provide free-choice calcium supplements (crushed oyster shells) in a separate container
- Limit treats to 10% of diet, especially during hot weather
- Add poultry vitamins to water periodically
2. Proper Housing and Nesting
- Provide at least one nesting box for every 4-5 hens
- Ensure nesting boxes are dark, private, and comfortable
- Keep bedding clean and soft
3. Hydration is Key
- Change water daily (twice daily in summer)
- Provide multiple water sources to prevent competition
- Add ice to water during hot weather
4. Exercise and Weight Management
- Allow for free-ranging when possible
- Create dust bathing areas to encourage movement
- Monitor weight and reduce treats for overweight hens
5. Age-Appropriate Care
- Don’t use supplemental lighting to force early laying in pullets
- Give older hens additional calcium and nutritional support
- Monitor older hens more carefully for signs of distress
When to Call a Veterinarian
While many cases of egg binding can be resolved at home, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary care if:
- The egg hasn’t passed after 2-3 attempts with warm baths
- Your hen appears to be in severe distress
- The egg breaks inside your hen
- There’s bleeding from the vent
- Your hen develops a prolapsed vent (tissue protruding from vent)
My Personal Experience
Last summer, my Rhode Island Red, Penny, became egg bound during a heatwave. She was hunched over, barely moving, and hadn’t laid in two days. After confirming she was egg bound, I gave her the warm bath treatment and some crushed calcium tablets. Within 30 minutes of her bath, she passed a massive double-yolked egg!
The lesson I learned was that prevention is truly the best medicine. I now monitor my girls’ calcium intake much more carefully and make sure they have cool water available at all times during hot weather.
Final Thoughts
Egg binding is scary, but with quick action, most hens can make a full recovery. The key is recognizing the problem early and responding immediately. By understanding what causes a chicken to be egg bound and taking preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of this happening in your flock.
Have you dealt with egg binding in your flock? What worked for you? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian. The information in this article is based on personal experience and research. Always consult with a licensed avian veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment of your chickens.
What Will You Need?
If you find a hen who you assume is egg bound, it is time to act quick. You will need:
- A tub or large bowl of warm water
- Towel
- Crate (to place her in after treatment to get her strength back)
- Vegetable oil
- Epsom salts
- Syringe
- Liquid calcium
- Flock Fixer
- Chicken E-lixir
What is an Egg Bound Hen?
This happens when the egg is literally stuck inside the chicken’s oviduct and she can’t get it out. This is usually due to a lack of calcium, too much protein, stress or dehydration. Young chickens as well as obese chickens are usually the victims. However, egg binding isn’t super common. It’s just good to know what to do if you find one of your hens in this situation.
If the egg is stuck, you can sometimes feel it on either side of her vent. The egg will block the chicken from being able to poop, which can lead to death if not taken care of. Typically, you have 24-48 hours to get a hen unbound. If you head out to the coop and notice her off on her own, acting lethargic, eyes closed and puffed up, you should take action. Other symptoms may include pale comb and wattles, tail slumped down, not eating or drinking, waddling, sitting on the ground and not getting up, straining her vent and drooping wings.
Egg Bound Hen – How to Help Egg Bound Chicken
FAQ
Why are my chickens GG bound?
Some of the causes of egg binding that are easier to prevent include malnutrition and the age of your chickens. Simply put, older chickens tend to be more likely to become gg bound since they don’t lay as many eggs – the muscles are weakened and slack as they are more inactive, and they aren’t as good at passing eggs.
Why is egg binding bad for chickens?
The problem with egg binding isn’t just that it prevents additional eggs from being released. It also affects a chicken’s digestive functioning. When a hen is ready to lay an egg, her cloaca will close off the opening to the intestines so that eggs don’t become contaminated with feces.
What causes egg binding in a hen?
Egg binding occurs when a hen is straining to produce an egg for more than a few hours. Egg binding may be brought on by several contributing factors and underlying causes, those of which include: Hypocalcemia – Hens with a low blood calcium level. Clinical signs associated with egg binding will vary depending on the severity and size of the bird.
What happens if a hen binds eggs?
Egg binding can also lead to a number of other conditions. It can cause infections related to egg yolk peritonitis (which is an infection in the coelomic cavity of a hen) along with vent prolapse. This latter condition refers to when the vent begins to protrude out of the rear of the chicken.
What if my hen is egg bound?
Make sure you seek medical intervention if you aren’t sure that your hen is egg bound – especially if you can’t see the trapped egg. You might hear or read a lot about egg binding, but luckily, it’s much rarer than you might think.
Why does my hen keep laying odd shaped eggs?
If you find that one hen continually lays odd-shaped eggs on a regular basis, she might have some genetic issues that make her also more prone to egg binding. Some of the causes of egg binding that are easier to prevent include malnutrition and the age of your chickens.
How to fix egg bound chicken?
How long can a chicken be egg bound before dying?
How long can a chicken go being egg bound?
How do you know if an egg is stuck in a chicken?
You know a chicken has a stuck egg by its signs of discomfort, such as reduced activity, a hunched posture, lethargy, and a penguin-like walk, and by feeling a hard, round object in its lower abdomen near the vent. The vent may also be swollen and pink. Gently pressing on the hen’s lower abdomen, or inserting a lubricated finger into the vent, can confirm the presence of an egg. If a hen is egg-bound, it is a serious emergency and requires quick action to avoid shock or death.