Does your pet bird appear depressed with ruffled feathers? Perhaps the bird may also have a big belly once you look closer. If she has been laying eggs and suddenly stops doing so, your veterinarian may suspect egg binding problem. It is a common problem among female birds, especially lovebirds, cockatiels, and budgies. These birds tend to be constant egg layers. Sometimes, something inhibits egg laying causing the egg to get stuck in their abdomen. Egg-binding occurs when multiple eggs get stuck inside. One of the most common reasons for egg-binding is nutritional imbalance. Calcium is a mineral that is very important for creating the egg shell. As a bird continues to lay eggs, she will deplete calcium stores quickly and a lack of calcium in the diet can prevent the proper formation of the shell, causing the egg to get stuck in the bird’s abdomen. Dehydration or a lack of calorie intake are also important causes of egg binding in birds.
A change in your pet’s health and/or behavior should warrant an appointment with your veterinary hospital Thorold, ON sooner rather than later.
