Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[1muttsfan]

It's so difficult to tell why birds die without an autopsy. It's even hard to tell when they're close to dying, they're so good at masking their illnesses. It sounds like maybe the hen had reproductive issues. And possibly the cockerel a heart problem if he looked purple.

I have had several sudden deaths in my flock this spring and summer, some birds were eating out of my hand only to be found dead the next day. It does not appear to be Mareks and they don't show any signs of illness prior to dying, and no signs of illness in the flock, as you would expect from AI. It is a mystery.

 

[Folly's place]

So sorry, loosing nice birds is never good.
We haven't lost any 'by suprise' this year, one hen who had reproductive issues, almost four years old, and our gradually failing rooster, who had several issues that took him.
The smoke hasn't been good, so true, and I'm spending way too much time indoors because of it. The chickens seem to be doing okay, but I doubt that it's doing them any good either.
Mary

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

I forgot to mention that the pullet that died also ate a "big scary" snake few days ago. I'm pretty sure it was probably a hognose or brown snake. It was about the size of a pencil

 

[Sally PB]

Do you think the snake had anything to do with her demise?

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

Honestly I have no idea. Just grasping at straws. If the snake touched me I'd be dead
One of the pullets left this double rubber egg in the run a few days ago but I'm not sure which one. That's why I was wondering if it was a reproductive issue.

 

[Folly's place]

Very weird egg! And too bad about that little snake, we do need them.
Years ago we lost a seven month old pullet, who never laid an egg, and had a huge pus filled oviduct on necropsy. Poor girl never had a chance, also strange so young.
Mary