Egg Binding

[E Orix]

It is now 9.30pm
I have just checked and the hen is up on the perch of the Finch Show cage and there is a blue egg on the cage floor.
In this case my theory worked, minimal handling and extra warmth.
I must admit if she was still egg bound in the morning I would have changed a gear in the worrying dept.
She will now be retired to the birdroom and her season is over.A shame as I have a reasonable idea that this was her last egg as there is a
nest already holding 2 eggs so all will be lost but she will now be available for next season.
I have checked her ring ID(in this case no need to handle her) and she is just in her prime 3 years old.
the Mealworm theory maybe,I will think on that as they are fed a huge amount of MW's along with other livefood.
As I mentioned I am reasonably sure this was her 3rd nest so she would have eaten a huge amount of MW's over the season even if she finally fed them to her chicks.
Each season I sit down and think of where I went wrong and how I can improve the situation.Actually I think this winter will be busy with continuation of this seasons new version of aviary layout and maybe the extra bits to their diet. You never stop learning and sadly I still continue to make mistakes.
By the way Myzomela you confuse me like MF does.This will now prompt some good discussion with Peter Karsten as he will be staying here prior to the convention.Knowing my track record he too will most likely confuse me as well.I hope not.
By the way if anyone has any questions to ask him let me know and I will get him to answer them through the Forum.

[E Orix]

Sorry I forgot to thank you for your resposes
E Orix

[BENSONSAN]

I've used cod liver oil straight to the beak a it's fixed it every time. Also pollys calcium mix has done nothing for me. Instead I use Pvm powder from auspigeon co. Don't no why just it's what works for my birds. Also use calcuvet and it's great my main birds that need the d3 are the gouldians. Coos liver oil straight to beak tho has worked as a emergency for me.

[Fincho162]

You could try putting your mealies straight into pollard or wheat germ (if the budget allows!!!) as this will help reduce the phytic acid build up from the bran - which can cause the calcium leeching as outlined by a well-known Qld vet.
One breeder here even on-growing his mealies in Passwells Egg n biscuit before feeding to again get away from the phytic acid build up. That Idea came from a chat with Peter Karsten and is akin to what is commonly done before feeding crickets out - gut loading.
Even your MF described keeping mealies in bran akin to feeding them on cardboard rather than caviar - remember that conversation from the first time I met him!!!

As for the calcium mix I can't speak for anyone else but it works for us big time and is now available through the QFS so obviously a few 'someones' think it's good value!! Dr Colin Walker was one of the vets that contributed information to its formation just for the record.

Really glad to hear that you rest the hen for the season - some would turf her back into the fray as soon as she was "better".
You make an excellent point for anyone with an egg-bound bird Mr Orix. Rest, rest, rest.............

[matcho]

Good to hear that the hen is OK. I lost a couple of birds 2 seasons ago to egg binding and had no joy with treatment you have described (heat etc). Local bird dealer advised cod liver and wheat germ oil in the seed in appropriate doses and haven't had a problem since. (Touch wood)!

[E Orix]

A bird getting egg bound is a real rarity here. We can be running upwards of 200+ female Finches during the breeding season
and I can't remember one other case in the last 3 years. I am not saying it hasn't happened and the bird just disappeared which happens
but our total losses are very small compared to the total number of birds here.
I have taken on board what has been said and see what can be organised.
I would be nervous putting cod liver or any oil to the beak unless you are very careful and expert at such methods.
Even a small drop of oil in the lungs will kill the bird quickly,believe me it will as years ago I got some petrol in my own lungs and if the hospital wasn't nearby I would have died as the oil coats the lung surface and oxygen can not pass thru into the blood stream.You gasp in air but nothing happens.By the way one drop of Kero per lung would most likely kill you apparently. So becareful.

[jusdeb]

Glad your finch is OK .... this is another one of THOSE topics that has many questions and many more answers ... I do think that keeping things simple and not adding undue stress is the key + warmth ...

[BENSONSAN]

Look in all honestly the only bird to give me dramas is gouldian hens. Damn things usually on there 2nd round of eggs. As long as ive given them some kinda D3 supp there sweet as. But hey thats just me.