What is Egg Binding and What Can I Do?
Egg binding occurs when a hen who is forming an egg in her uterus does not have enough calcium to finish forming the egg shell. The shell does not become hard enough to push out, which causes the hen extreme stress and extreme risk. To prevent egg binding it is very important to have a cuttlebone and mineral block available in the cage, even if they are not breeding (sometimes a hen will spontaneously start laying eggs without a nest box or even without a mate). Especially when a pair is breeding, it is important to regularly check if the cuttlebone and mineral block have been used up. If so, they need to be replaced immediately. If a breeding pair does not touch the cuttlebone or mineral block, a calcium supplement may be necessary.
