Quail is constantly puffed up and is somewhat inactive

[FowlFriend]

One of my hens is 22 months old and has enjoyed good health. Lately, though, she has been sitting in a corner of the cage, all puffed up. She typically runs around the cage with her sister and comes to the door when I bring worms, but she hasn't moved much. I can't find anything else odd. She is eating a little and drinking water. She laid an egg yesterday. I just can't figure out why she's doing this. Any ideas?

 

[mochicken]

mites or lice? Worms? there could be alot of reasons, I would take her out and give her a good inspection to see if she has any parasites on her, check out her poop to make sure there is no blood in it, let us know if you find anything

 

[The Critter Place]

It's possible she could be egg bound.

Is she getting crushed oyster shell or any other source of calcium?

 

[FowlFriend]

I can't find any lice or bugs, no bloody poop. She does get crushed egg shells, and I just bought oyster shell last week.

What should I do if she's egg bound?

 

[The Critter Place]

Feel her stomach towards her vent, gently and see if you can feel an egg.

I just had this happen with one of mine. I haven't been raising quail long enough to be comfortable suggesting what to do. So I hope some that know more will be along.

As for my bird.. I did feel the egg... And after searching this web site for info on how to take care of her...
I decided to soak her lower half in warm water for about 10 min. and gently massaged her belly area. She passed the egg a few hrs later, but still isn't up to par. Kinda wobbly...

 

[FowlFriend]

So, I soaked her in warm water (which she hated), then wrapped her in a warm towel. No egg, and I noticed she was limping. So I took her to the avian & exotic vet (we have rabbits, too, so I know the place) and the vet must have scared her because she popped an egg right out there! LOL! She is still limping and the vet said it's because sometimes when hens are egg bound, the egg lies on a nerve that can cause weakness and paralysis for a short while. What an ordeal! But, ours are pets and the kids are attached to them.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Quote:
Unlikely since she laid an egg yesterday.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Quote:
Too much calcium can also cause them to have difficulties laying eggs, so maybe cut down the offering of oyster shells to 3-4 times a week. The egg should be somewhat 'soft' when it comes out, and too much calcium makes the shells too hard. Think of a baby's skull and how it is soft and not completely enclosed in bone (cartilage) so it can mold to the shape of the birth canal.

 

[FowlFriend]

I did not know that! Thanks for the info!

 

[Tikkajazz94]

Mine has been doing this....than they die

Good luck