Sudden Death

[Bott]

Hi, new to the group. I'd really like some input on this. We had two perfectly healthy hens, two years old, die in the night two days apart. There was no sign of sickness, perfectly normal behavior, good appetite, laid eggs the day before, and no trauma. They just seemed to randomly die in the night. All the diseases I can think of would likely show some symptoms. Furthermore, this was 2 weeks ago, and no more incidents. I've read about sudden death syndrome, but my question is how common is this? What are the odds of two chickens within 3 days? I just hate not knowing the cause, because naturally if there's anything to do to prevent it, I would! Our chickens free range on two acres and have a very clean coop. I was also thinking of potential toxic plants, but even a poisoning would probably show symptoms. Any input is appreciated, especially if you've had a similar experience. Thanks!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
I've never had that happen. And you are sure it was not a predator?

 

[triciayoung]

Welcome. I really like your picture. Did the two that died hang together? Were there other things they had in common?

 

[BeefQuesoritto]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

I'm sorry about your loss. Can you do a necropsy or anything? That's what we used to do on random sheep deaths.

 

[N F C]

I'm sorry you lost a couple of your flock. Maybe members over on this forum would have some insight: Emergencies / Diseases / Injuries and Cures

 

[Bott]

Thanks for the responses. I'm positive it wasn't a predator. Our coop is very secure and there was no sign of trauma. The two that died didn't hang out together any more or less than anyone else. This is their world.

 

[Bott]

Not sure why this ended up in hatching. Tried to post it in emergencies and diseases

 

[N F C]

Not sure why this ended up in hatching. Tried to post it in emergencies and diseases

I'll move your thread for you to the ER forum.

 

[TwoCrows]

Not sure why this ended up in hatching. Tried to post it in emergencies and diseases

Hello and welcome to BYC!

The "hatching" is a title that changes as you post.

Anyway, I am so sorry for your losses. Is it possible these 2 got into something poisonous? Sudden death cam happen to 1 but I can't imagine 2 together. Hopefully someone can help you in our Emergency forums, @N F C is moving in there.

 

[Blue Raptor]

Hi, new to the group. I'd really like some input on this. We had two perfectly healthy hens, two years old, die in the night two days apart. There was no sign of sickness, perfectly normal behavior, good appetite, laid eggs the day before, and no trauma. They just seemed to randomly die in the night. All the diseases I can think of would likely show some symptoms. Furthermore, this was 2 weeks ago, and no more incidents. I've read about sudden death syndrome, but my question is how common is this? What are the odds of two chickens within 3 days? I just hate not knowing the cause, because naturally if there's anything to do to prevent it, I would! Our chickens free range on two acres and have a very clean coop. I was also thinking of potential toxic plants, but even a poisoning would probably show symptoms. Any input is appreciated, especially if you've had a similar experience. Thanks!

Welcome to BYC!