- Dec 9, 2013
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Hi. I've been reading Backyard Chickens tirelessly for weeks! Earlier this week we had a lethargic chicken -- took her inside, nursed her, no improvement. After many hours of research, I discovered she must have an impacted crop. It was too big to massage out, so, based on advice I read here and elsewhere, my neighbor (who works in an OR) and I surgically removed the blockage. The chicken is now doing better, though still a bit thin and weak. She has been away from the flock for a week, and I want to get her back before she is rejected. She went out for a visit with them yesterday and the hens seemed OK with her, but the rooster tried to peck her (he is on his way to a farm tomorrow anyway). I think I am read up enough on how to re-introduce a chicken, but what about moving from warm to cold? She has been in our basement (about 60 degrees) vs. the outside (about 40 degrees). She will go back out for a visit today, but once the rooster is gone, if the hens are OK with her, can I just pop her back outside? I'd hate to see anything happen to her after all the effort we put in. Thanks!