CHICKEN IS NOT MOVING and it’s 13 degrees outside!

[QuacketyQuackQuack]

One of the Hens has been looking pretty miserable this past month, and now she stopped moving and eating all together! I put her in a bin in the garage with hay, oatmeal and a heat pad. I’m not sure if she is egg bound or anything but I just wanted to get her out of the cold… if anyone knows what I should do, please say it asap. Thanks!

 

[azygous]

Extended exposure to freezing temps can cause hypothermia and can result in organ shutdown. Bringing the chicken into a warmer environment is just the first step. You need to apply warm compresses on her breast, feet, and under her wing pits. Warming a towel in the dryer and wrapping her in it for an hour is also useful in addition to the warm compresses on the strategic body parts.

Along with the re-warming, you need to restore electrolyte balance so her internal organs are stabilized so they will function properly, including proper metabolism of food and nutrients. Mix one cup warm water with one teaspoon sugar and a pinch of salt and baking soda and give it to her to drink. Dip her beak a few times to show her it's sweet. Give this as the only water source for 48 hours.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Once she gets warm and hydrated, replace the oatmeal with a warm mash of her regular feed, it's got all the balanced nutrients she needs. Good luck with her!