Healthy chickens should lay eggs without any difficulty, but sometimes an egg can become stuck inside the reproductive tract, and the hen will be unable to pass it. The sooner an egg-bound hen is recognized, the better her chances of recovery. Why does this occur? An egg can be too large, malformed, soft shelled, or improperly positioned. There may be an issue with calcium deficiency or absorption, or a reproductive disease. Some breeds are more prone to becoming egg bound than others; typically, high production breeds tend to have more issues with their reproductive systems. What to look out for Repeatedly sitting in a nesting box but not producing an egg Straining or tail bobbing Swollen or distended abdomen A “penguin-like” stance and walking awkwardly Lethargy Reduced appetite and may be unable to poop or have less droppings A pale comb What to do if you suspect a hen is egg bound Separate her from your flock. Move her somewhere stress free, as other chickens may begin to peck at her if they suspect she is weak or sick. Soak her in a warm (but not hot!) bath as it can help relax the muscles to be able to release the egg. You can also add epsom salt to the bath. You can try to lubricate the vent area with something such as oil or Vaseline Try to add increased calcium if you think there is a calcium deficiency NEVER try to squeeze, massage, or force an egg out. You can cause it to break inside the hen and lead to a deadly infection. Possible Outcomes If you provide treatment early, many hens will recover. Unfortunately, the issue can also be fatal, especially if noticed too late. Egg binding could be a symptom of a greater reproductive disease, and sometimes treatment will only be a source of palliative care.