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Almost non existant shells

Posted: 28 Aug 2014, 07:48
by JEWEL
Just wondering why my Gouldian hens are having so much trouble passing their eggs ? Nearly every fortnight I have had at least one hen egg bound, and I put them in solitary and give her warmth and calcium water etc, and by a day or two they have passed an egg . But I have lost all but one hen this season :( and my last remaining hen is still having trouble, and her eggs aren't quite right. Previous egg to last had a really soft, almost see through shell. This most recent egg was YOLK ONLY, no shell. She sits fluffed up and can't fly for a day or two before passing, and then seems fine after that. They get calcium and cuttlefish and shell grit.........

Re: Almost non existant shells

Posted: 28 Aug 2014, 08:04
by alvin
Hi
I use breeding aid, prior and during the breeding season, it has essential; supplements, fatty acids, promotes egg production, promotes increased hatch-ability, you put 20ml to 1kg of seed, have not had a egg bound hen in years.

Re: Almost non existant shells

Posted: 28 Aug 2014, 09:34
by Tiaris
May need vitamin D supplement such as vetafarm's "soluvet D3 Breeder" so they absorb the calcium better - especially if kept in an enclosure where they don't get much direct sunlight.

Re: Almost non existant shells

Posted: 28 Aug 2014, 21:49
by Spitfire
We owe it to our birds to provide them with the necessary ingredients for their living and their wellbeing. Because their destiny is in our hands.
SORRY for sounding like I am preaching, but you need to upgrade your skills in looking after Gouldians and other birds that you might have. You should start by reading up
on bird husbandry and wellbeing. Maybe get yourself a book on gouldians. It is well and good to get little titbits on the Forum, but in my humble opinion according to your
post, you need a lot more information than just maybe they need this and that. You do not say how many hens youv'e lost but ALARM BELLS should have been ringing by the first hen.
Finch people who know what they are doing, hardly ever encounter egg binding.

Re: Almost non existant shells

Posted: 29 Aug 2014, 21:05
by Redwing
I' m a relative newcomer to this forum, having only been a member for 3 years, but in that time I've learnt so much, not just from my own questions but from reading other peoples' posts. Would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have so patiently and generously shared their wealth of expertise. I am a better finch keeper for this, but am still learning. We all learn best in an environment that is supportive and encouraging.
Jewell, I'm sorry to read of your losses but believe you've been given some sound advice as to why the calcium sources you've been supplying your birds may not have been absorbed. All the best with your gouldians in the future.

Re: Almost non existant shells

Posted: 30 Aug 2014, 08:31
by vettepilot_6
Sorry for the trouble your having.... the following are some causes of eggbinding...have a look and see if any fit in your category... Cheers


oviduct muscle dysfunction due to nutritional deficiencies, especially calcium, vtamin E and selenium
malformed eggs
excessive egg production which can exhaust the birds reserves of calcium, vitamins and energy
previous reproductive tract damage or infection which may lead to scarring and adhesions to other organs
obesity which is unfortunately a very common problem
lack of exercise, which leads to poor muscle strength
senility. Older birds are more likely to become egg bound
other stress factors, including severe temperature changes, disease or overcrowding

Re: Almost non existant shells

Posted: 01 Sep 2014, 05:29
by wagga
Alvins, Tiaris :thumbup: are excellent products.

Vettepilot :thumbup: good starting point to the questions that a vet or experienced bird breeder would/should required prior to giving any sound advice in helping you find a solution to your birds problems.

Re: Almost non existant shells

Posted: 09 Sep 2014, 11:55
by JEWEL
Thankyou to the replies that were helpful and had positive criticism. And in response to being told I don't know what I am doing - I have never encountered this problem with my ringnecks, canaries or any other finch i have - only ever the Gouldians. And my Gouldians get extra special treatment compared to the others, because I know how much extra work they are. They get additives in their water. They get a special seed mix, not a run of the mill commercial one. When they have issues, I bring them inside to nurse them back to health. Yet I am stumped. This is why I asked for advice.

Re: Almost non existant shells

Posted: 09 Sep 2014, 14:04
by Tiaris
Can never be 100% certain with these things - best to just address most likely causes 1st. Calcium absorption is most likely cause so a vitamin D3 supplement combined with usual calcium mineral sources (eggshells, cuttlebone, etc) are the best bet. Without the vit D, all the calcium in the world is of little benefit.

Re: Almost non existant shells

Posted: 09 Sep 2014, 14:50
by JEWEL
Vit D is the only thing i'm not currently doing, but will get some asap. thanks all :)