Gravid female

Question
QUESTION: My girl, Tillie, who I have recently talked with you about, has been having some problems. She laid an egg today, but only 1, and I know she had two. So I just figured she ate it or something. I could see the little new eggs in her too. I gently bent her back, and it looks like she hasn't laid the other one. She was also acting a little lethargic, but she is probably just tired. Also she hasn't been cleaning herself, and her tail and a little bit higher have some feces on them, so I have to get a damp napkin and wipe her off. I was wondering why this is, and why she hasn't laid the other one. Thank you~ Julia

ANSWER: Hello Julia,

Well, she may be having some trouble with the 2nd egg yes.  Could she be dehydrated?  Try getting some fluids into her if you can be trying to get a plastic syringe or dropper to get her to drink.  Try to get some extra calcium into her as well in case she is a little bit low in reserves.
You could also try bathing her daily, to see if that might help her out a little bit.
Keep me posted on Tillie!

Tracie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ok, she laid it, a prefect, round little egg. The other one is a little flat. Should I be concerned? She laid it this morning, and she still isn't eating. How do I get her to eat? Why won't she eat?

Answer
Hello Julia,

That is great that she finally laid the other egg, poor girl.
Well, if the other one is flat, it may not be good I am not sure.  She is probably just very tired so if she is not eating you will need to get some chicken or turkey baby food to feed to her if you can get some food into her.  Add a little extra calcium as well.
Just give her some time, egg laying takes it out of them.  :-))

Tracie