The Quail Necessities - Egg binding concerns

This is a difficult situation, and to be frank in many cases the outcome is not a good one, especially with button quails.  “Egg bound” is a term used for when a hen (or a female reptile) cannot pass their egg. It may be stuck creating a bulged appearance at their vent or trapped part way where then hen cannot continue pushing it out (often leaving a prolapse if they do pass it) This is a life threatening emergency condition and can often be fatal.

Symptoms your hen may be struggling;

- physical appearance could be puffed up, droopy wings and their tail tilted

- behavioural change where they are lethargic and withdrawn

- straining or a pulsing vent with no egg resulting

- as their egg is sitting in a position that is unnatural for a prolonged period they may have a change in gait, pressure may also be applied to nerves causing an appearance of lameness or waddling 

- they may also be seen huffing/puffing and eyes fluttering as they exhaust themselves in their efforts

- other birds may also peck and or pick on a hen in this state not knowing what’s wrong with her or perceiving her as a weak/injured bird in their covey

If you see a hen in this state, try to palpate their lower abdomen - you may feel or even see their egg. This will help identify if they are truly egg bound and how advanced the egg is at the vent. Remove the hen immediately, get them in a warm location and if they will tolerate it soak their lower body / vent in a warm water bath *depending on the type of quail you are raising this may be easier to do in a small bowl or mug. You can add epsom salt to the water and allow them to soak for up to 15mins to allow their muscles to relax. This may help them to relax enough to pass the egg right in the water.

In the event they still cannot pass the egg you my need to lubricate their vent (olive oil is suitable) and you may need to help them encourage the egg along / mimic contractions around the back of the egg. This need to be done with EXTREME caution! Do not apply too much force as it can cause the egg to rupture internally or a tear in their tract.

After the soak be sure to get them warm and dry right away as a cold bird can become ill quickly or add to the complication in a devastating way. A warm temp (not hot) and low force blow dryer is useful in this situation along with a heating pad for them to nestle and rest on. Keep them isolated and comfortable, provide water with electrolytes and low lighting. Once they are mobile and back to their usual self, they can be reintroduced to their covey but it would be important to keep an egg on this hen and verify they are able to pass next eggs normally.

Review their diet, ensure they are getting the nutrients and calcium they need, add nesting area or hides if the hens do not seem to be happy to lay daily. Remember some times these things happen - at no fault of your care.  This could simply be a one time occurrence with your hen, but if it were to be noted that she struggles on a regular basis you may need to evaluate her lifestyle. Age can be a factor with it being more common in newly laying hens and older hens as they start to have age related stresses. In some cases genetics are against them and they may be prone to large or misshaped eggs - if this is the case do not incubate these eggs and remove this hen from breeding plans.