Glossary · 🩺 Health

Dystocia

Also called: Egg-binding

Dystocia (egg-binding) is when a female cannot pass her eggs — a life-threatening emergency signalled by a gravid female straining without laying, going off food, and becoming lethargic.

It can happen with or without a male (females can produce infertile eggs). Provide a proper lay site, but if she strains for too long or looks unwell, it's an urgent vet visit — never try to remove eggs yourself.

See also

GravidSlug

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