First timer with new flock, please help.

Any advise would be great. I have a flock of 7 hens that I got 2 weeks ago. We love them and we have had 3 eggs so far. They have a nice warm enclosure at night attached to a good size run in the day. We have 2 Buffs, 2 RIR, 2 Easter eggers and one Barred rock. 2 days ago one buff just began to act lethargic, lay her head on her wing and not move when I went to pick her up. They all free range under supervision and she walked around yesterday and pecked at the ground but still was not feeling well. We brought her inside last night in her own cage with food and water which she didn't eat or drink that I could see. I was going to get medicine this morning and found her passed away.... Very upsetting. The other birds are fine with no symptoms. The other Buff I saw this morning has a watery eye and some nasal discharge. Please any advise is welcome. Thanks in advance.

What do you mean by nice warm enclosure.
Does it have good ventilation?
This time of year, new chicken owners tend to think chickens need warmth over fresh air and the opposite is true.

They have a hen house that is well ventilated day and night and a open run during the day.

Hi

Sorry to hear you lost one so quickly.
It could have been coccidiosis. Older birds are less susceptible to it than chicks but changing their environment can expose them to different strains that their bodies are not used to. Did you notice anything unusual about her poop?... Possibly diarrhoea or bloody poop?
Another possibility is Marek's disease. Outbreaks of it are usually triggered by stress and moving home can be as stressful for chickens as it is for people. The only way to find out what killed your bird is to send it off for a necropsy or perhaps, if that is not an option, open it up and have a look yourself. I appreciate that some people can't face the thought of that but it can be very educational and sometimes helpful to prevent other deaths in your flock.

I don't mean to be rude but that appears to be a very small coop and run for so many birds, even with one less as you have now. Being overcrowded will also cause stress and can lead to behavioural problems as well as lower the immune system and leave them vulnerable to health problems.
The watery eye and nasal discharge may be a respiratory infection.

Regards

Barbara

I did notice loose stool but no blood. It could have been stress or a number of things. I buried the hen and completely cleaned all bedding material out and replaced with new shavings as to contain any spreading of disease. I understand any concern about the coop. Pictures won't do it justice. It's main house is 6'-4' feet, 3 large nesting boxes that 2 hens can nest in. Two roosting poles inside, the whole run is 4' by 15'. Hopefully that's enough room for 6 hens. I'm treating all hens and hopefully all stay healthy. Thanks for the reply.