Help with eggbound quail hen

[ashlierami]

I have a 3 year old quail hen that isn't acting herself. I believe she is eggbound. She drinks water alot and is sitting down mostly. She's usually very active and runs when I bring her a treat. She eats gamebird feed and I give her oyster shells and mealworms. She also gets boiled eggs for protein. She hasn't been laying much maybe once a month if that. She doesn't seem to interested in her mate. Her poop is solid and looks normal. I felt her vent and it feels like an egg is there . How can I help her? Will is pass on its own if she is eggbound?

 

[danalovesdogs]

Sorry to hear your hen’s feeling sick! How long has she been acting ill for? I would add a packet of those poultry electrolytes/vitamins to her water to keep her strength up, then soak her vent in warm water to help her ease it out if it’s been less than 24 hours. Hopefully since you can feel it positioned near the vent she’ll be able to get it out on her own

 

[ashlierami]

Sorry to hear your hen’s feeling sick! How long has she been acting ill for? I would add a packet of those poultry electrolytes/vitamins to her water to keep her strength up, then soak her vent in warm water to help her ease it out if it’s been less than 24 hours. Hopefully since you can feel it positioned near the vent she’ll be able to get it out on her own

I just noticed her acting different today around 3 or so. She was fine yesterday she was dusting, running to me for treats etc. Today she's slower and seems like she's having a bad day. I brought her a plate of boiled eggs and she didn't even care. Usually she's in the middle fighting her mate for the first bite. The egg feels close to her vent opening and I massaged her gently as much as she would allow me. I tried to soak her but she didn't like it and I didn't want to further stress her. I have made her room dark and it's quiet in there. I'm hoping she can pass it. I can't lose her. I only have her and her mate and he cannot be without her . Thank you for your advice!

 

[mixedUPturk]

I just noticed her acting different today around 3 or so. She was fine yesterday she was dusting, running to me for treats etc. Today she's slower and seems like she's having a bad day. I brought her a plate of boiled eggs and she didn't even care. Usually she's in the middle fighting her mate for the first bite. The egg feels close to her vent opening and I massaged her gently as much as she would allow me. I tried to soak her but she didn't like it and I didn't want to further stress her. I have made her room dark and it's quiet in there. I'm hoping she can pass it. I can't lose her. I only have her and her mate and he cannot be without her . Thank you for your advice!

Awe! it sounds like youve done very well by her and im sorry shes struggling now. I see she is a coturnix. Im sorry to inform you their lifespans just arent very long. This at 3 yrs is about the best ive heard im sure its due to your excellent care of her.

 

[ashlierami]

Awe! it sounds like youve done very well by her and im sorry shes struggling now. I see she is a coturnix. Im sorry to inform you their lifespans just arent very long. This at 3 yrs is about the best ive heard im sure its due to your excellent care of her.

She is acting better slightly. I massaged her vent again and put her heat lamp on. She ate a piece of egg and dusted alittle. That's a big improvement from today. I'm hoping it's because the egg is going to pass soon. My oldest quail I have had was 6 years old when he died. He was only 4 or so months from being 7. They live inside in their own room. Always temperature controlled and safe and dry. This is the first time she's had this issue I'm guessing because her age and she's basically stopped laying.

 

[mixedUPturk]

She is acting better slightly. I massaged her vent again and put her heat lamp on. She ate a piece of egg and dusted alittle. That's a big improvement from today. I'm hoping it's because the egg is going to pass soon. My oldest quail I have had was 6 years old when he died. He was only 4 or so months from being 7. They live inside in their own room. Always temperature controlled and safe and dry. This is the first time she's had this issue I'm guessing because her age and she's basically stopped laying.

Wow at nearly 7. I would do more soaking even if she doesnt like it thats deadly if she doesnt pass it.

 

[danalovesdogs]

She is acting better slightly. I massaged her vent again and put her heat lamp on. She ate a piece of egg and dusted alittle. That's a big improvement from today. I'm hoping it's because the egg is going to pass soon. My oldest quail I have had was 6 years old when he died. He was only 4 or so months from being 7. They live inside in their own room. Always temperature controlled and safe and dry. This is the first time she's had this issue I'm guessing because her age and she's basically stopped laying.

I’m glad her spirits are up! The egg needs to get out within 48 hours, after that it’d be considered a medical emergency. If she doesn’t like the soaking, maybe you can use a q-tip to generously apply lubricant to the inner lip of the vent? She seems like a strong, healthy bird that just needs a little help to get that egg out of there

 

[Ebony Rose]

Calcium will help her with contractions, so yogurt mixed with her feed or shredded cheese, or even finely ground up eggshells could help, if you don't have calcium supplement already. As much as Japanese coturnix quail dislike being handled, and can even die of a heart attack if frightened sufficiently, pay close attention to her demeanor should you decide to give her another warm bath, and weigh the decision on the knowledge that if she doesn't pass that egg soon, it will kill her. Slather her vent with a water soluble lubricant such as K-Y Jelly, making sure to get some inside (do this after the bath, if you elect to bathe her again).
Keeping you and your feathered family in my prayers.

 

[ashlierami]

She seems much better this morning. She's been walking around and she ate lettuce put of my hand like old times. I do not see an egg anywhere or have yet to find it . There is a small lump between her legs and I'm wondering if it wasn't an egg after all but maybe she's got a growth or is this part of her female anatomy? I have had quail for 7 years but I have not had many sick or to have issues. I felt my male quail between his legs and there's no lump so I thought maybe it's her anatomy or somthing much worse. I out sav a chik in her water and she's been eating her feed and drinking it. She has free access to oyster shells, mealworms and her feed all day. I give her lettuce, and boiled eggs as a treat. She has grit and a sand bath. Water is changed daily and cleaned. She is pooping and there is nothing stuck to her vent. I can't think of anything else. I hope it was just a bad day and not something worse that will eventually kill her. Thank you to everyone for your advice and help.

 

[ashlierami]

This is her and her mate cricket. They been together since he was 6 weeks and she was about 2 months old.