130 POULTRY DISEASES 



the parts may have a rest and the irritation caus- 

 ing the trouble subside. It is best to give only soft 

 feed and liquids. Give the hen a tablespoonful of 

 olive oil and plenty of clean water. 



Obstruction of the Oviduct (Egg Bound) 



This is a common ailment of laying hens, per- 

 haps the commonest of all discussed conditions of 

 the oviduct. The poultry raiser calls it '^egg 

 bound, ' ' by which he means there is something in 

 the oviduct which the bird cannot force out. 



The upper portion of the oviduct, or that part 

 which receives the ovum (yolk) as soon as it is 

 fully formed in the ovary and delivered, is lined 

 with secreting cells. In this part the albumin 

 which surrounds the yolk is formed. Further 

 along the glands secrete the shell or calcium layer 

 after forming around the mass a fibrous mem- 

 brane or sac. It can be readily seen, for all this lo 

 be brought about, means an abundant blood sup- 

 ply. An inflammation of the egg duct (usually 

 the result of infection from the digestive tract by 

 way of the cloaca) means an arrest of function of 

 these glands. There are other cells that secrete 

 mucous which lubricates the passage way, and 

 these, too, are arrested in their function. The 

 result is a stoppage of the egg. 



Other causes are: Eggs of too large size, ex- 

 haustion of the bird and atony and paralysis of 

 muscular walls of the oviduct and vagina, volvulus 

 or twisting of the oviduct and stricture of the ovi- 

 duct. Weakened muscles, the result of disease, im- 

 proper nourishment and overwork are contribut- 

 ing factors. 



Symptoms.— The hen goes frequently to the nest 

 and repeatedly makes expulsive efforts but can- 



