Hi, I went out this morning to let my girls out into their front run and found one of my red girls (2 years old) squatted on the bench, eyes closed, not responding. When I picked her up she did not respond. She was still alive but not looking good. Her feet and legs were freezing cold (-12 degrees C overnight) and almost contracted. I brought her in the greenhouse to warm her up and if need be, be with her while she died. I could not figure out what was wrong. She seemed fine yesterday. I remembered that she was standing on the perches last night instead of sitting.. figured she was just preening before I came in... Well... I looked her over and found yolk on her vent. I have had trouble with weak shells... girls don't like the oyster shells... I add crushed egg shells to their feed. I felt inside her vent with a lubricated glove. Felt the shell... I was able to get this out and a lot of what appeared to be yolk.... she is still alive... but looking poorly. Comb and waddles deep colored. Breathing steady. Eyes remain closed. I know typically you would give her a bath and wait for it to pass... I sorta jumped this step... should I just let her rest? Give her a bath now to help her rinse what is remaining? Any help would be appreciated.
