best way to treat eggbound duck??

[Stacey Adele]

Hello, I have a one year old white layer hen (I think, I've had her about a month). She has consistently laid an egg most days, although she seemed to skip a day every several days. Also, they free range a lot, so there were a few times I didn't think she was due to miss a day, but I assumed I just couldn't find it. So, to make a short story long, we were away for a week until Tuesday and when we returned I found out that my brother didn't collect a single egg the entire time we were away. So I have been keeping her in the run (almost all the time, I'm too much of a softy for husbandry), and still no egg! Her behavior seems totally normal (no lethargy, strange vocalizations, pooping normally (I think, she pooped yesterday when I was palpating for an egg, which I think I may have felt but I'm far from certain)) but I am getting worried. Should I try massage? Salt water bath? I am very grateful for any advice. (We haven't been giving calcium supplement yet because I was told it's not necessary while free ranging in summer). (Pic is from a few weeks ago).

 

[KathiQuacks]

What’s her diet like?
Is she molting right now?
Your description doesn't sound like she’s egg bound, but it wouldn’t hurt to treat for it anyway. Warm, Epsom salt bath to start, and don’t let her drink any of the water.

 

[Stacey Adele]

What’s her diet like?
Is she molting right now?
Your description doesn't sound like she’s egg bound, but it wouldn’t hurt to treat for it anyway. Warm, Epsom salt bath to start, and don’t let her drink any of the water.

She gets as much feed as she wants and free ranges all day on land and in the river (they mostly choose the river). For a couple of weeks she was getting grower feed along with my younger birds but not their on 2/3 laying pellets and 1/3 grower feed. I don't know if she is molting... I've noticed they all lose some feathers all the time in the coop, and it may have increased a bit lately. Actually, yes, there are more feathers by the river too, I think. They also may have a had a fright. When we weren't home a predator got some of our free range chickens (I think it was a neighbour's dog). I'm reading that cause reduced laying (with or without egg binding). Thanks for your reply!

 

[Stacey Adele]

She gets as much feed as she wants and free ranges all day on land and in the river (they mostly choose the river). For a couple of weeks she was getting grower feed along with my younger birds but not their on 2/3 laying pellets and 1/3 grower feed. I don't know if she is molting... I've noticed they all lose some feathers all the time in the coop, and it may have increased a bit lately. Actually, yes, there are more feathers by the river too, I think. They also may have a had a fright. When we weren't home a predator got some of our free range chickens (I think it was a neighbour's dog). I'm reading that cause reduced laying (with or without egg binding). Thanks for your reply!

I'm concerned that forcing her into a salt bath will cause her more stress if it isn't necessary (not to mention the several times I've picked her up these last few days to assess, which she isn't accustomed to at all, poor love!). Maybe I'll hold off if it's totally normal for her to not be laying.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If you ever suspect egg binding get and everyone of us should have this on hand already Liquid Calcium Gluconate it will help to get the egg moving many times one dose will do it but sometimes it takes multiple ones . I can't imagine salt water doing anything but dehydrating her if she drinks enough of it, just plain warm water can work to relax them sometimes so they can lay. The Calcium Gluconate is safe to use so you don't have to worry about it hurting her. I would def put out Oyster shell for your layers. Mine are out during the day on half acre and still eat oyster shell.
The dose for the cal glu is 1 ml over a tasty treat 1X a day to start.

 

[TwoRoosters123]

Sometimes ducks take breaks from laying, even if they are excellent layers. At this time of the year and at her age she might be molting, which means she will take a break. If she is behaving normally, I wouldn’t worry. However, make sure you are always allowing free choice oyster shell to your laying ducks, this will help prevent egg binding. Your ducks will decide for themselves how much calcium they need. If you are still concerned you can also give her a calcium boost in the form of a regular human TUMS. It’s mostly calcium, you can give her a half a one. I wouldn’t attempt to massage your duck, if you are that concerned I would seek veterinary help, since you can kill her very easily by accidentally breaking an egg inside. I hope this helps! Best of luck!