My little15 month old brown leghorn Rosy was laying by the back door about an hour ago when I opened it to go back outside. She had been active when I let the chickens out at 1:00 pm today. Her breed is very flighty and shy so I knew she was sick when she let me pick her up.
I felt around her crop and also her vent area. Her crop seemed to be empty. I put her in a sink of warm water and held her beak up for about 30 minutes. I brought her towel wrapped and in my arms into my bed with me. She seemed to be sleeping, no more panting from either heat or distress. Within 20 minutes, her head threw back violently to her back twice and she was gone.
I am left saddened but also fearful for the rest of my flock. Was it poison she got into? I see her breast feathers are mostly gone just as my little girl Star's feathers have been for about 6 months. Does anyone have any ideas or experience losing a hen in this way?
She died in my arms so I'm thankful I could be there for her but so sad. I am planning to open her up later tonight or tomorrow to see if I can figure out anything obvious. But ideas please!!
I felt around her crop and also her vent area. Her crop seemed to be empty. I put her in a sink of warm water and held her beak up for about 30 minutes. I brought her towel wrapped and in my arms into my bed with me. She seemed to be sleeping, no more panting from either heat or distress. Within 20 minutes, her head threw back violently to her back twice and she was gone.
I am left saddened but also fearful for the rest of my flock. Was it poison she got into? I see her breast feathers are mostly gone just as my little girl Star's feathers have been for about 6 months. Does anyone have any ideas or experience losing a hen in this way?
She died in my arms so I'm thankful I could be there for her but so sad. I am planning to open her up later tonight or tomorrow to see if I can figure out anything obvious. But ideas please!!
