12-week old Polish rooster found dying

[TonyBYC]

After coming back from a 3-day weekend, we found our Polish rooster dying inside the coop. He was still breathing and opening his eyes but didn't move and refused to drink. The next morning he was gone.

I'd like to know if this was more likely due to disease (and could it affect the other birds?) or violence in the coop while we were away. There are no signs of blood but he was missing some feathers along his neck.

We have an automatic door, feeder and waterer, so the chicken have plenty of space and food / water. We bought the Polish 6 weeks ago and they were supposed to be inoculated for Marek's disease.

Are there any visible signs of disease on the attached photos?

 

[nuthatched]

You could send the bird off for a necropsy or do it yourself if you're brave.
Is everyone else acting normal? What do you feed them?
It's probably not a disease, sometimes chickens just die. Crested birds can have vaulted skulls, one bump or Peck in the right place and they're through. Sorry for your loss.

 

[TonyBYC]

You could send the bird off for a necropsy or do it yourself if you're brave.
Is everyone else acting normal? What do you feed them?
It's probably not a disease, sometimes chickens just die. Crested birds can have vaulted skulls, one bump or Peck in the right place and they're through. Sorry for your loss.

Thank you! Yes, the rest are acting quite normal. They mostly eat layer feed pellets, with some treats like watermelon or boiled eggs. When we are home, they free range