Is Your Hen Egg Bound?

What Does It Mean When a Chicken Is Egg-Bound?

If you’ve ever had a chicken that seems uncomfortable and won’t lay an egg, she might be egg-bound. That means an egg is stuck inside her and just won’t come out. This can be really serious if you don’t help her right away.

Why Do Chickens Get Egg-Bound?

There are a few reasons this can happen. Sometimes the egg is just too big, or the chicken might be too young or too old to lay comfortably. If she’s not getting enough calcium in her diet, that can also cause problems. And sometimes, chickens that are overweight or underweight are more likely to get egg-bound.

How Can You Tell If a Chicken Is Egg-Bound?

There are signs you can watch for. If your hen keeps going in and out of the nest box but doesn’t lay an egg, that’s a clue. She might look fluffed up or stand still and act tired. Some chickens even waddle like a penguin when they have an egg stuck inside. If you gently feel her belly and it seems hard or swollen, that’s another sign something might be wrong.

What Should You Do?

If you think your chicken might be egg-bound, you can try giving her a warm bath. Just fill a sink or tub with warm water—not too hot—and let her sit in it for about 15 to 20 minutes. This can help her muscles relax. While she’s soaking, you can gently rub her belly to help the egg move along. After the bath, dry her off and keep her warm. A quiet, cozy place away from other chickens is best. You can also give her some extra calcium, like a crushed-up Tums tablet or a special supplement made for chickens. Calcium helps the muscles work better, which might help the egg come out. If you’re comfortable, you can even use a little coconut oil or safe lubricant just around the vent area to help the egg slide out more easily. But don’t do anything that feels unsafe or painful for the hen.

When Is It Time to Call the Vet?

If your hen still hasn’t laid the egg after about 24 hours, or if she’s looking really sick, it’s time to call a vet. Some vets know how to take care of birds and can use X-rays or special tools to help her. They might give her medicine or even carefully remove the egg. Don’t try to break the egg yourself—it can cause an infection or make things worse.

How to Help Keep It from Happening Again

The best way to avoid this problem is to keep your chickens healthy. Make sure they’re getting good food with enough calcium, and always give them fresh water. Let them roam around to stay active, and try not to let them get too heavy. Giving them oyster shells or crushed eggshells is also a great way to boost their calcium.

Final Thoughts

Being egg-bound is scary for both the chicken and the chicken keeper. But if you catch the signs early, stay calm, and take action, your hen has a good chance of feeling better fast. Always keep an eye on your flock, and they’ll thank you with lots of happy clucks—and plenty of eggs!