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My bird seems egg bound. What are the symptoms and home remedies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Hi I think I have an egg bound bird. She’s been laying eggs every other day except for 1 day where she layed it the next day. I came home today to her 4th egg but I see her on the bottom of the cage with her bottom up and puffed out. There’s a bit of poo there. I picked her up gently and can feel and see a bulge between her legs. Is it just another egg about to come? Or is she bound? She has already laid one today. The vet is closed already and won’t be open til Monday.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on November 25th, 2017

Most birds will lay one egg every other day. The condition is more common in smaller breeds, and can be more serious as well. Ideally, she should be examined by a veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian. If one is unavailable right now, provide supplemental heat, about 90 F. Soak her for 20-30 minutes in a warm Epsom salt solution, enough to submerge her vent. Dry thoroughly then use a sterile lubricant (or vegetable oil) around the vent. Monitor for lethargy, straining or difficulty breathing. If she develops any of these symptoms, she should be seen at the nearest veterinary ER immediately. Be sure to feed a balanced diet and provide a cuttlebone or mineral block for additional calcium. Limit seeds and offer mainly a commercial pelleted diet (Harrison's, Lafeber, KayTee Exact or Pretty Bird) supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables.

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