What is egg binding and why should it be treated?
Egg binding refers to the condition where a female oviparous animal is due to lay eggs, but because of some complication, is unable to do so. The result is that the eggs are retained within the body. This can be brought about by a number of factors. One of the more common causes is where the egg is too large to pass through the pelvic canal. This can happen due to the internal development of an abnormally large egg, or in a condition where the pelvis has been damaged and because of this damage even normal sized eggs are unable to pass. A second common cause of egg retention is related to behavioral stress. Many chelonians will not deposit their eggs if their habitat is not correct for oviposition (egg laying). Quite often incorrect housing, substrates and temperatures will inhibit animals from building nests and subsequently prevent egg laying. Many times, once these deficits are corrected the animal will readily build a nest and deposit the eggs without further problems. Other factors
