I have my first pairs in breeding cages and one of the hens has been in and out of the nest box almost constantly the last few days, as of this morning there were several large watery droppings outside the nest box and when I came in to turn on the lights she came out to see what was going on. As soon as I checked the nest box (i was being hopeful, but no eggs yet) she was protective of her box and went back inside the box to greet me. So I'm sure she's trying to lay now, but my questions are... 1) are these runny watery droppings normal for a hen about to lay eggs? if so, how long should I expect an egg now from the time I start seeing these types of droppings? 2) if not normal, how do I watch for an egg bound hen? I haven't seen her displaying any signs of distress.

The hens start to have the large loose dropping about two to three days before the egg is laid. This is not always the case. I have had hens laid with out any loose droppings.

 

To help prevent egg binding add calcivet to the water and the perscribed dose.

I'd add some Cod liver oil to the seed mix. It has good qualities in Vitamin A and D.

....and before the egg is laid you will see what we call "egg bum"............an eggsized lump near her vent

thanks Daz & Kaz! (hmm that rhymed! (Laughing out loud)) .. that's good to know! I've made sure both pairs have sufficient full spectrum lighting (to help with vitamin D) as well as Prime multivitamin in their veggies and a cuttlebone and iodine mineral block. I'll pick up calcivet if it's recomended still though. I'd hate to loose a bird cause I was over confident with their calcium intake, I was just worried about over-calcium dosing them.

 

I'll have to pick up some cod liver oil and add that to their seed mix, What ratio should I use for the oil in the seed?

 

Also, I just got home from work and went to check on my birds and to my SURPRISE both hens were in the nest boxes!

 

Not only that, but both hens now have the large runny droppings!! YAY Guess we are well on our way with both pairs, I'm so excited!! I'm crossing my fingers they lay some fertile eggs, and looks like they'll be on about the same time-frame in case I need to foster.

Edited December 4, 200717 yr by Ravengypsy

With regard to the calcium....too many people have far too much faith in cuttlebones. A budgie more often than not uses a cuttlebone to play with. To destroy but not consume. I have a lot of faith in Calcivet, having seen its use bring birds back from the brink of...eggbinding and chicks with rickets and splay legs. I would advise it becomes a part of your essentials

Edited December 4, 200717 yr by KAZ
spelling

okay thanks, I'll run up and grab some tonight... do you give daily to the fresh water?

Yes Calcivet is a water additive. I am one with Kaz. I give it to all my birds for 4 days every 4 weeks. I have never had a problem while using it.

 

"If you suspect Egg Binding. Add a drop of good quality Olive oil to the vent and leave the bird in a warm cage. The egg should be past with in a few hours. It is a good idea to let that hen rest for the rest of the season."

none of my close local stores had the calcivet when I checked last night, so I'll have to order online or see if one of the bird stores in the area have it this weekend. I'll add it to my normal regamine. Since using this, have you had egg bindings? if so, were you able to determine the cause?