The "Windmill" Technique: A Surprising Solution for Egg-Bound Hens

If you've been keeping backyard chickens for any length of time, you may have encountered a few challenges along the way. One condition that often catches novice and experienced chicken keepers alike off guard is “egg binding”. In this post, we will delve into the intricacies of egg binding, equipping you with the knowledge to identify, treat and prevent this potentially life-threatening condition in your hens.

Understanding Egg Binding: More Than Just a Stuck Egg

Egg binding occurs when a hen is unable to pass an egg through her oviduct and out of her body in the normal course of laying. While it might sound like a simple case of constipation, egg binding is far more serious and can have dire consequences if not addressed promptly.

To truly understand egg binding, it's helpful to have a basic grasp of a hen's reproductive system. Unlike mammals, chickens have a single opening called the cloaca, which serves for both egg-laying and waste elimination. The egg is formed in the ovary and then travels through the oviduct, where it's covered with albumen (egg white), membranes and finally, a hard shell. This journey typically takes about 25-26 hours [1].

When an egg becomes stuck anywhere along this path, it can cause a cascade of health issues for the hen. The pressure of the stuck egg can lead to inflammation, reduced blood flow and even rupture of the oviduct in severe cases. Furthermore, the hen may be unable to pass waste properly, leading to further complications [2].

Recognising the Signs: Is Your Hen Egg Bound?

As many of you keeping backyard chickens will know, our hens are “masters of disguise” when it comes to illness, an evolutionary trait that helps them avoid appearing vulnerable to predators. However, egg binding often presents with some telltale signs that observant flock keepers can spot:

1. Straining Without Results: You might notice your hen frequently visiting the nesting box or adopting a squatting position, appearing to strain as if trying to lay an egg, but producing nothing
2. Lethargy and Isolation: An egg-bound hen may separate herself from the flock, appearing unusually tired or depressed
3. Abdominal Changes: Her abdomen might feel swollen, hard or warm to the touch. You may even be able to feel the stuck egg through her abdominal wall.
4. Respiratory Distress: The pressure from the stuck egg can affect her breathing, leading to open-mouth breathing or tail bobbing
5. Loss of Appetite: She may show little to no interest in food or water
6. Abnormal Walk or Gait: You might notice her walking with a penguin-like waddle, with her legs spread wider than usual
7. Drooping Wings and Tail: Her posture may change, with wings hanging low and tail pointing downwards

If you observe any combination of these symptoms, it's crucial to act quickly. Egg binding can progress rapidly and the longer it goes untreated, the more dangerous it becomes for your hen [3].

The Root of the Problem: Why Does Egg Binding Occur?

Egg binding isn't a random occurrence and there are several factors that can contribute to its development. Understanding these causes can help you take preventative measures:

1. Nutritional Deficiencies: Calcium is crucial for egg production and muscle contractions. A lack of calcium or vitamin D (which aids calcium absorption), can weaken the muscles needed for egg-laying. Recent research has also highlighted the importance of other minerals like phosphorus and magnesium in maintaining proper egg formation and laying [4].
2. Obesity: Overweight hens, such as those fed too many scraps or low-grade feed, may have excess fat deposits around their reproductive organs, making it harder to pass eggs. Additionally, obesity can lead to fatty liver syndrome, which further complicates egg production [5].
3. Dehydration: Proper hydration is essential for egg formation. Dehydrated hens may produce eggs that are too dry or hard to pass easily
4. Genetic Predisposition: Some chicken breeds, particularly those bred for high egg production, may be more prone to egg binding. Breeds like Silkies, with their petite body size, can also be at higher risk [6].
5. Egg Abnormalities: Unusually large, misshapen or soft-shelled eggs can become lodged in the oviduct more easily
6. Stress: High stress levels can interfere with normal hormonal processes, potentially disrupting egg production and laying
7. Infections and Diseases: Reproductive tract infections, such as salpingitis (lash eggs), can cause swelling and inflammation, making egg passage more difficult [7].
8. Environmental Factors: Extreme temperatures, particularly heat, can affect egg quality and the hen's ability to lay. Recent studies have shown that heat stress can lead to thinner eggshells and irregular laying patterns [8]. This is something that we noticed a lot as free-range egg farmers back when we were in Keysborough.

First Aid for Egg Binding: What You Can Do at Home

If you suspect your hen is egg bound, there are several steps you can take at home to help her:

1. Warm Bath Therapy: Give your hen a warm bath with Recovery Healing Salts for about 15 to 20 minutes. The warmth can help relax her muscles and potentially facilitate egg passage. Use a large basin or sink filled with warm (not hot) water, deep enough to cover her vent area and abdomen. Support her body and keep her head above water. After the bath, dry her thoroughly with a towel or a blow dryer on low heat and keep her warm.
2. Lubrication: Gently apply a small amount of water-based lubricant or vegetable oil around and just inside her vent. This can help ease the passage of the egg. Be extremely gentle and avoid pushing anything into the vent.
3. Calcium Boost: Offer your hen some easily absorbable calcium. Liquid calcium or vitamin and mineral supplements such as Vitality Booster, can be particularly effective in this situation. You can also provide a dish of medium to coarse shell grit [9].
4. Steam Treatment: Some backyard chicken keepers swear by steam treatments. Place the hen in a cage or carrier and cover it partially with a towel. Then, place a bowl of hot water under the cage, allowing the steam to rise around the hen. The warm, moist air can help relax her and potentially ease egg passage.
5. Gentle Massage: Very gently massage your hen's abdomen in a downward motion towards her vent. This can sometimes help stimulate contractions and egg movement. However, be extremely careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could cause an egg to break internally.
6. The “Windmill”: I used this technique a number of times when I could see or feel an egg trapped near the end of a hen’s vent. By holding the wings of the hen firmly to her sides with her bottom facing the ground, with increasing speed, spin her around like a windmill. This allows centrifugal force to act on the hen and importantly, her stuck egg which can then be pulled out cleanly using the laws of physics.
7. Quiet and Warmth: Keep your hen in a quiet, warm area away from the rest of the flock. Stress reduction is crucial at this time.

It's important to note that these home remedies should only be attempted for a few hours. If your hen doesn't pass the egg within 24 hours or shows signs of worsening condition, veterinary intervention is crucial.

When to Call the Vet: Professional Intervention

While home remedies can be effective in many cases, there are situations where professional veterinary care is necessary. Seek immediate veterinary attention if:

• Your hen shows no improvement after a few hours of home treatment
• She appears to be in severe distress or pain
• You notice any discharge or bad odour from her vent
• She's unable to stand or is completely lethargic
• You can see or feel the egg but it doesn't seem to be moving

A veterinarian experienced with poultry can provide more advanced treatments, such as:

1. Hormone Injections: Calcium gluconate or oxytocin injections can help stimulate contractions and egg passage
2. Manual Extraction: In some cases, the vet may need to manually extract the egg. This is a delicate procedure that should only be performed by a professional to avoid internal injury.
3. Ovocentesis: If the egg can't be removed whole, the vet may perform ovocentesis, a procedure where the egg is drained before removal.
4. Surgery: In severe cases where the egg has adhered to the oviduct wall or if there's a risk of rupture, surgery may be necessary [10].

Prevention: The Key to Happy, Healthy Hens

As with most health issues, prevention is far better (and less stressful), than cure when it comes to egg binding. Here are some strategies to help keep your hens laying happily:

1. Balanced Nutrition: Provide a high-quality layer feed such as our Sustainable Layer that's appropriate for your hens' life stage. Top-quality, laying feeds are formulated to provide the right balance of nutrients, including calcium, for optimal egg production. Be aware that there are huge variances in the quality of ingredients that go into laying feeds and cost tends to be a strong indicator.
2. Weight Management: Keep your hens at a healthy weight through proper feeding and exercise. Encourage foraging behaviour by providing occasional, healthy treats away from your chicken coop.
3. Hydration: Ensure constant access to clean, fresh water. In hot weather, consider adding ice cubes to their water to encourage drinking.
4. Stress Reduction: Maintain a calm environment for your flock. Avoid sudden changes to their routine or living conditions. Provide enough space, nesting boxes (5 hens per box), and enrichment (mirror, bale of straw, perches, hanging DVDs, buckets etc), to prevent competition and boredom.
5. Regular Health Checks: Perform regular health checks on your hens, paying attention to their overall condition, weight and egg-laying patterns.
6. Environmental Control: Protect your flock from extreme temperatures. In hot weather, provide shade and cooling options. In cold weather, ensure the coop is well-insulated but properly ventilated [11].

Emerging Research and Future Directions

The field of poultry health is continually evolving, with new research shedding light on ways to improve chicken welfare and egg production. Recent studies have explored the potential of probiotics in supporting reproductive health in laying hens. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, which in turn, can lead to better nutrient absorption and overall health [12].

Another area of interest is the role of herbal supplements in poultry health. While more research is needed, some studies suggest that certain herbs like oregano and thyme may have beneficial effects on egg production and quality [13].

Genetic research is also advancing our understanding of egg production and shell quality. Scientists are working on identifying genes associated with egg production traits, which could lead to more targeted breeding programs for healthier, more resilient laying hens [14].

Empowering Us Backyard Chicken Keepers

Egg binding, while potentially serious, is a manageable condition when caught early and addressed properly. By understanding the causes, recognising the signs and knowing how to respond, you can significantly improve the outcomes for your hens.

Remember, your role as a chicken keeper extends beyond just collecting eggs. You're also responsible for the health and well-being of your flock. Regular observation, proper care and a willingness to learn are your best tools in maintaining a happy, healthy bunch of hens.

Lastly, continue to educate yourself. The world of chicken keeping is rich with knowledge, and there's always something new to learn. Whether it's through books, online resources, or connecting with other chicken enthusiasts at one of the Talking Hens events, expanding your knowledge of best practices, will help you become the best chicken keeper you can be.

[1] R.J. Etches, "Reproduction in Poultry," CAB International, 1996.

[2] M.A. Mitchell and P.J. Kettlewell, "Welfare of Poultry During Transport – A Review," Poultry Science, 2009.

[3] Julie Gauthier and Robert Ludlow, "Chicken Health For Dummies," John Wiley & Sons, 2013.

[4] R.M. Gous, "Nutritional Limitations on Egg Production in Poultry," Livestock Production Science, 2007.

[5] P.M. Hocking, "Biology of Breeding Poultry," CABI, 2009.

[6] Victoria Roberts, "Diseases of Free Range Poultry," Whittet Books, 2009.

[7] Gerry Bolla, "Egg Peritonitis and Egg Binding in Layer Hens," NSW Department of Primary Industries, 2007.

[8] N.K. Sakomura et al., "Effect of High Environmental Temperature on Egg Production and Quality in Laying Hens," Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia, 2018.

[9] D.C. Deeming, "Avian Reproduction: Advances and Challenges," British Poultry Science, 2011.

[10] T.G. Taylor and J.N. Adeola, "Egg Shell Formation and Quality," British Poultry Science, 2012.

[11] H.A. Elson, "Poultry Welfare in Intensive and Extensive Production Systems," World's Poultry Science Journal, 2015.

[12] Y.M. Kim et al., "Effects of Probiotics on the Performance, Egg Quality, and Gut Microflora of Laying Hens," Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences, 2020.

[13] W. Windisch et al., "Use of Phytogenic Products as Feed Additives for Swine and Poultry," Journal of Animal Science, 2008.

[14] M. Tixier-Boichard et al., "Genomics and Genetic Selection in Poultry," Proceedings of the World's Poultry Congress, 2012.