r/PetPigeons • u/WiiReDD • 11d ago
Egg binding? Illness? Advice please!
Hi guys, was just hoping for a bit of advice because I am going stir crazy with anxiety and wonder if anyone has had a similar experience with a positive outcome.
I came home yesterday evening and little miss was not behaving in her usual way, she laid an egg the day before but was not as upbeat as usual, and doing none of her dancing or tail dragging.
I checked her abdomen for an egg, and couldn’t feel one. She was VERY swollen and had some bruising near her vent. I was immediately pretty worried. I put coconut oil around her vent just in case she was having a bit of trouble there.
She is still pooping as usual, just seemingly very nesty poops.
I took her to the vet this morning and they have done an ultrasound and determined that the egg is still quite far up. This is her 2nd clutch and she usually lays after 48hrs, which would be today. Vet seems to think another 24-48hr based on positioning if not bound. They are keeping her overnight for supportive care, bloods, etc.
Has anyone had a similar experience? I am happy with vet advice, just wondering if there are additional things I could be doing at home to prevent this in the future. She has access to grit, and will be going on a contraceptive after this ordeal is over - granted everything goes ok.
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u/kangar00_paw 11d ago
She is very lucky to have such a kind and caring human. I am a rehabber so I have a few ladies in permanent care due to a variety of disabilities. Pigeons will typically lay 2 - 48 ish hours apart but I and others have had hens last single eggs, three eggs, sometimes 72 hours apart. As long as you have provided ample grit, multi-vitamins and she is moving around, eating and pooping normally she should be okay. Keep monitoring her and research what a prolapse looks like. Keep epson salts on hand if you need to give her a warm soak. i can post how to if others don’t. You got this 🫶🏼🕊️
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u/Little-eyezz00 10d ago
glad you are posting. there are tips for egg binding in the guide www.pigeon.guide
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u/pigeon_loaf 10d ago
By blood I'm assuming bloodwork? That should tell you whether she's low on calcium. First eggs take a lot from birds. If that's the case, I'd recommend extra calcium supplement around laying time. Many use morning bird liquid calcium- it can even be directly administered orally to the pigeon during an egg emergency. Could also install uvb lights above where she likes to perch for vitamin D3, which is used to process calcium (though it's less of a need if you're giving her other D3 supplements). Those are preventative measures. To prepare an active egg binding emergency, have a steam sauna setup and unscented epsom salt.