Whatever you do, make sure that they are vaccinated for Marek's. Someone here said that TSC does not buy vaccinated chicks, and that the TSC employees will say that they are. If you decide to get chicks from TSC, find out what hatchery they're coming from and call them. Seminolewind and...
I understand... My chickens don't go to the vet either, just thought I should mention it.
As for life lesson, depending on their ages, a backyard necropsy might be a good science project for them. Sorry if i sound insensitive, I really don't mean to be, it's just that necropsies have taught me...
This is a copy and paste from another post of mine. I'm not suggesting that you do anything but get your hen warm. Once warm and stable, you might want to proceed.
When mine get sick, this is what I do:
*Thorough* physical exam which includes inserting a gloved, lubed finger into the cloaca...