I found my lovely Delaware hen, only 7-1/2 months old, dead in the garage where she was comfortably living with another hen. She was fine this morning, perched up on a ladder as usual where she spends the night. She had sunshine (lots of it) and straw and cozy spots and a good life, I thought.
What do the veterinarians and other animal specialists say about sudden deaths? Does anyone know for sure? I've had hens keel over but they were much older and it was to be expected, ie, 5 years of age.
I feel awful! I KNOW it's just a hen, but still...
I live in California and here we can take or send back yard chickens to a Lab for a free Necropsy. I had a Black Australorp die like yours. It was from a liver hemorage. She had fatty liver disease and the report said it was more common in certain breeds.
Chickens can also break their necks, so you will never really know unless there is a Necropsy performed on the chicken.