Egg binding is a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition in laying hens. It occurs when an egg gets stuck in the reproductive tract and isn’t passed normally. This post will walk you through the basics: what breeds are more susceptible, which age groups are most at risk, how to recognize symptoms, what to do if it happens, and how to help prevent it from happening in your flock.
What Is Egg Binding?
Egg binding (also called being "egg bound") happens when a hen is unable to pass an egg. This can be due to a variety of reasons—oversized eggs, soft-shelled eggs, poor muscle tone, or underlying health conditions. Left untreated, it can quickly lead to internal damage, infection, or death.
Which Chickens Are More Susceptible?
Certain breeds and age groups tend to have higher rates of egg binding.
🐔 Breeds More Prone to Egg Binding:
- Leghorns and other high-production layers
- ISA Browns, Red Sex Links, and similar hybrids bred for egg production
- Silkies (due to their small pelvic structure)
- Bantams (especially ornamental lines)
These breeds may be more vulnerable due to their anatomy, small size, or high egg output.
🐣 Age Groups at Greater Risk:
- Young pullets just starting to lay (especially if they mature too early)
- Older hens whose reproductive systems are slowing down
- Overweight or underweight birds
Symptoms of Egg Binding
Be alert to the following signs of an egg-bound hen:
- Lethargy or sitting frequently
- Straining or pumping the tail
- Penguin-like posture (standing upright due to abdominal pressure)
- Swollen or firm lower abdomen
- Sudden stop in egg production
- Pale comb or wattles
- Loss of appetite or sticky droppings around the vent
- Open-mouth breathing (in severe cases)
What to Do If You Suspect Egg Binding
If you think your hen is egg bound, here's what to do:
Step 1: Confirm the Egg
Gently feel around her lower abdomen, just below the vent, for a hard, egg-shaped mass. Be gentle—you don’t want to risk breaking a shell inside her.
Step 2: Warm Bath
Soak her in a warm Epsom salt bath (water around 102–105°F) for 20–30 minutes. The warmth relaxes her muscles and may encourage her to pass the egg.
Step 3: Lubricate
Apply a small amount of KY jelly, coconut oil, or vegetable oil just inside and around the vent to help ease passage.
Step 4: Isolate and Monitor
Keep her in a quiet, warm, dimly lit space to reduce stress. Limit movement but keep her hydrated.
Does Calcium Help an Egg-Bound Hen?
Yes — giving calcium to an egg-bound hen can absolutely help, and it's often recommended by poultry veterinarians and experienced chicken keepers as part of supportive care.
🧪 Why It Helps:
Calcium is critical for muscle contractions, including those in the oviduct responsible for pushing the egg out. A hen low in calcium may struggle to lay even a normal-sized egg because her muscles can’t contract properly.
✅ When to Give Calcium:
If your hen is showing symptoms like straining, lethargy, or standing upright, a quick calcium boost may give her the strength she needs to expel the egg.
💊 Recommended Calcium Options:
- Crushed Tums (calcium carbonate): ¼ to ½ tablet orally
- Liquid calcium supplement (Durvet or Poultry Cell with calcium): 0.5–1 mL by mouth
- Calcium gluconate (injectable): Administered by a vet or experienced poultry keeper (subcutaneous or oral)
⚠️ Calcium Alone Won’t Help If:
- The egg is too large or misshapen
- There’s a soft-shelled egg that’s collapsed
- There’s an infection or reproductive tract injury
- The hen is in shock or advanced distress
In these cases, veterinary help is crucial.
💡 Best Used Alongside:
- A warm Epsom salt soak
- Gentle vent lubrication
- Stress-free isolation in a quiet environment
If no improvement in 12–24 hours, call your vet.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
Seek professional help if:
- Your hen hasn't passed the egg within 24 hours
- She's straining with no results
- You can’t feel an egg, or suspect a collapsed soft-shelled egg
- There is bloody discharge, foul odor, or labored breathing
Vets may manually remove the egg, administer injectable calcium, or perform surgery if needed.
How to Prevent Egg Binding
While not always avoidable, you can lower the risk with good flock management.
🛡️ Prevention Tips:
- Feed a balanced 16–20% protein layer feed
- Offer free-choice oyster shell or crushed eggshells for calcium
- Avoid excess treats that dilute nutrients
- Limit supplemental light in pullets under 16 weeks to prevent early laying
- Keep birds at a healthy weight
- Avoid breeding birds with known reproductive issues
- Reduce stress in housing, temperature, and flock changes
Final Thoughts
Egg binding is a poultry emergency — and one every chicken keeper should know how to handle. With early detection, supportive care, and good prevention strategies, many hens make a full recovery. Keep calcium on hand, trust your gut, and never hesitate to call a vet if you're unsure.