3GoodEggs, thanks so much. I think you are right on the money. I just talked to my friend that's 1 of the only 5 poultry vets in the state. I sent her this link and this is what she wrote in response:
"Jenni,
I did a quick skim of your blogs. I definitely don't think she is an internal layer. I can explain that in more detail to you later about how that works, but the yellow droppings are not from her being an internal layer, but are more a sign of what she has eaten or not eaten. I can explain that in more detail later too. The important thing is she isn't an internal layer. Now, with that said and reading everything else, I, like some of the bloggers think it was probably heat. Chickens are very susceptible to heat stress, some more than others. The fan is a good idea. Also, I'm not sure what type of waterers you have, but if you can stand the mess during these really hot days, some chickens like to have water that they can dip their combs and wattles in. This helps them cool down. They can make a mess however, that could lead to husbandry problems, so be very careful with this. If a chicken is panting this means that their internal body temperature has reached over 106 degrees. That is definite heat stress. You can use an over the counter digital thermometer and stick it in her vent (should go in easily, but can use gel, if necessary). You can take her temp and compare it to the other hen's temps. You may want to take hers inside and outside or when she seems fine vs. when she seems weak. She may have been heat stressed, but coming out of it, and still hasn't fully recovered yet. Give her time and TLC like you've been doing. Keep in mind with the heat we are having your egg shells of all your hens may be thinner. Heat does that. You might need to supplement with oyster shells or some other calcium source, if you see this."
I didn't want to bother her with this if we could figure it out together here on BYC, but I was so thankful to have her take the time to reply to my concerns. I always try to figure out these "chicken problems" on my own first. I think that's how I've learned alot about chickens, but some issues are not as cut and dry as others. It seems it's the simple things (common sense things) that puzzle me most. If I can't come to a conclusion, my first stop is BYC and I am so thankful to have such a wonderful and caring group of people who not only understand, but also genuinely care. Thanks to all BYCers who are so willing to help! Hopefully one day I will have the extensive knowledge to return the favor.
ETA: Gramatical error
