I have been keeping food available full time. All they do is eat. They always have water also. I don't think they are starving, and they sure don't look it. My thought was more like they were eating themselves to death.
Not sure how it would break it's neck but I suppose it's possible.
I started with 8 Orpies last year and have enjoyed the eggs. This year I have added some Wyandotte's, a leghorn and 20 Cornish Rocks. Hasn't been as easy but enjoying challenges and learning from my mistakes. This site has provided me with a wealth of information and I'm ready to start sharing...
First year for meat birds, started with 20 and I am now down to 11. They are around 5 lbs, around 7 to 8 weeks. The past week I have been losing one about every other day. I have them in an outdoor pen about 5' by 20' in northern Michigan with a shelter they can go under to get out of the rain...