Egg Bound Zeb

[kat78]

Hi folks. I'm sorry I realise this has been a subject that has already had many queries (which I have read through) but I'm new to all this and need to clarify a few things.

I'm pretty sure my hen might be egg bound (fluffy and seems larger, not flying much, clumsy at times - but is eating a bit though not as much as normal and drinking a bit. She's also showed interest in their leafy greens which is good). She has been laying, but hasn't for a week or so. (I have a Zeb hen and Mannikin male left )

Sooo, I'm off to get some parrafin oil. Which is the best way to administer? in the seed or directly into her beak? (I don't want to stress her by catching her but I don't think she looks to hard to catch).

I have nest baskets in there, which they like, but I've found she will still lay in the seed dish if I take out the nests. Should I wait till she passes this egg and take out the nests anyway? They like to sleep in there together, so I'd leave them if it doesn't make a difference.

So I also give them egg and biscuit mix whenever I remember. Should I be giving calcium as well? Or just get the parrafin sorted then get the calcium? I"m not breeding, I take the eggs as soon as I see them.

What do you all think? I need to help her asap, and value your opinions

cheers
Kat

[vettepilot_6]

Needs heat straight away...needs calcium (maybe to late) some types of greens cancel calcium out...catch her and massage that area see if she is bound? Heat is the first thing

[vettepilot_6]

Your birds should be getting Calcium, Shell Grit etc..not only for the problem you have but it helps digest their food (they don't have teeth)...Get some Calcivit for the water ASAP for now...

[finchbreeder]

Heat, cuttlebone, calcium any which way. Remove the nest. If they are in a cage or well sheltered avairy they are naturally tough little birds and don't need a bed. But a nest will encourage her to lay which, as you are just finding out is to her detriment.
LML

[Myzomela]

Hi Kat.
First thing she needs is heat- a hospital cage or cage in which some form of heat can be provided eg by lamp or even heat pad. Aim for 28-30 degrees C. Also make sure she has a shallow dish of water both for her drinking but also to provide humidity. make sure her seed is within easy reach of where she sits & place the cage in a quiet spot.

Forget paraffin- total waste of time. Instead try liquid calcium supplement. Most have dose rates on the bottle but if not give 2-3 drops to the beak; this can be repeated evry 6 hrs if needed.

If she won't eat/drink you may have to give her some electrolyte solution eg Polyaid;Spark or even watered down gatorade. You can try to give a few drops direct to the beak.

If she looks too weak then don't handle her any more than you have to.

In many instances the heat and humidity alone will allow the egg to pass.

Good luck & let us know how you go.

[kat78]

Ok thanks everyone. She's got heat, she's got humidity. can the calcium be bought at the chemist (at this time of night particularly) She was pretty strong flying, and tricky to catch, but she's in a hospital cage now.

Stupid question, should I have a perch in there or not? I currently don't have one in, forcing her onto the heat mat I suppose.

[Myzomela]

Not a stupid question at all.
If she is still strong she may prefer to sit on a perch. If she is weaker she will just sit on the ground. It won't hurt to put a perch in, but it's not essential.

[Fincho162]

Possibly not applicable in this case BUT the first thing I do upon finding an egg-bound hen is to check the crop.
If empty I always crop it with the ver ready crop needle because I have no idea of how long she's been egg-bound and unable to reach food.

Fortunately rare since developing my own calcium blend but does prevent the occassional hen from dying after passing the egg.

Should u handle an egg-bound bird that much??
I Do the crop fill while waiting for the hospital cage to come up to temperature - Work's for me!!

[kat78]

Thanks everyone for your advice, and concern for my gorgeous little hen. Well, looks like the humidity did the trick - but no egg! I thought I was going to wake up to bad news, but she's bright as a button today. Perky, chirpy, hopping and buzzing around; eyes bright and clear, smooth feathers, not puffy at all. Back to normal it would seem. But no egg. Hmmm, so I've done a full thorough clean of the cage (which I do regularly anyway). Oh and I took the nests out and she's back in with her buddy.

thanks again everyone.

[Fincho162]

Chance are she ate it - not an uncommon event. Guess there's a bit of waste not want not about the average finch!!

The trick is not to put her back with the males for a while until she has recovered .........dare I say at least a week.
Glad she pulled through for u!