I found 1 dead chicken in the roost this morning. No signs of any trauma. All others are OK, eating and drinking well.
3 or 4 of the hens have been missing feathers on the back lately, just in front of the tail, not where I see the rooster grab them to mate.
Egg laying has been down a little for the last 2 weeks but it could be that they are laying out in the big pen (1/2 acre) and I haven't fount the hiding place.
They are locked in a secure roost at night and come out to a 12x12 pen for a few hours in the morning. I'm hoping that most will get their laying done before going to the big area.
They had good fresh air last night (window was open) and temp outside was 48F.
Is there anything I can examine the dead one for clues?
Thanks
Aaron
3 or 4 of the hens have been missing feathers on the back lately, just in front of the tail, not where I see the rooster grab them to mate.
Egg laying has been down a little for the last 2 weeks but it could be that they are laying out in the big pen (1/2 acre) and I haven't fount the hiding place.
They are locked in a secure roost at night and come out to a 12x12 pen for a few hours in the morning. I'm hoping that most will get their laying done before going to the big area.
They had good fresh air last night (window was open) and temp outside was 48F.
Is there anything I can examine the dead one for clues?
Thanks
Aaron