Egg Binding

Egg binding is when the passing of the egg through the reproductive tract is delayed. It is a life-threatening condition and so it is important for egg-bound hens to receive prompt veterinary treatment.

The symptoms are:

• Rapid or labored breathing
• Swelling
• Constipation
• Fluffed-up feathers
• Straining
• Sitting on the cage floor
• Drooping of the wings
• Lameness
• Loss of appetite

Insufficient calcium can be one of the causes as well as a lack of maturity