Dreammaker
Songster
Hi everyone! I have seen a wonky egg for the past 2 days (see attached of one; the other cracked so I threw it out). I have 6 pullets (9 months old) that lay regularly. They're all eating and drinking and pooping normally. These two eggs are from the same bird (based on color).
For context:
1.) Their litter is going to be completely removed and changed today. It's been smelling *a bit like ammonia for the last few days* and I finally have the time today to do a clean-out. It's several inches of pine shavings and I believe the spring thaw we've had has caused too much moisture to accumulate.
2.) They eat a 16% protein layer pellet, oyster shell free choice, fresh water to which I add a splash of ACV & electrolyte/vitamin powder every few days.
3.) They don't appear to be stressed, but I'm not certain. I see no signs of a predator invading their space and we haven't introduced any new birds.
*I'm concerned they may have developed a respiratory issue from this. I feel terribly that I allowed it to get like this and will remediate today.
Questions:
1.) At what point do I consider this a concern and not just a glitch? Another day, week, month?
2.) If there are no respiratory symptoms and the other girls' eggs are fine, could I rule out infectious bronchitis or avian flu?
3.) Is the only way to test for the above diseases to humanely euthanize and get a necropsy?
4.) Is there anything, apart from clearing out their stinky bedding, that I should be doing?
Thank you! As I said, I feel horrible about this. I've been trial-and-erroring with a deep bedding/litter method and obviously, it needs more cleaning out than I anticipated, as I know ammonia is a major No-Go w/ chicken coops.
For context:
1.) Their litter is going to be completely removed and changed today. It's been smelling *a bit like ammonia for the last few days* and I finally have the time today to do a clean-out. It's several inches of pine shavings and I believe the spring thaw we've had has caused too much moisture to accumulate.
2.) They eat a 16% protein layer pellet, oyster shell free choice, fresh water to which I add a splash of ACV & electrolyte/vitamin powder every few days.
3.) They don't appear to be stressed, but I'm not certain. I see no signs of a predator invading their space and we haven't introduced any new birds.
*I'm concerned they may have developed a respiratory issue from this. I feel terribly that I allowed it to get like this and will remediate today.
Questions:
1.) At what point do I consider this a concern and not just a glitch? Another day, week, month?
2.) If there are no respiratory symptoms and the other girls' eggs are fine, could I rule out infectious bronchitis or avian flu?
3.) Is the only way to test for the above diseases to humanely euthanize and get a necropsy?
4.) Is there anything, apart from clearing out their stinky bedding, that I should be doing?
Thank you! As I said, I feel horrible about this. I've been trial-and-erroring with a deep bedding/litter method and obviously, it needs more cleaning out than I anticipated, as I know ammonia is a major No-Go w/ chicken coops.
Thanks!
. Not worried about overcrowding, as they have plenty of room. We are seeing more daylight, but not suddenly. 
