2 Chickens Dead-Need help Diagnosing

[SilverLacedMom]

Hello,

I had 2 bantam wyndottes come down with these symptoms and die of it. They were 2-3 years old.

They stopped laying eggs for a period of time(about 3-4weeks). I checked they were not impacted. I thought it was the heat or they were just taking a break from laying.

1st girl got chalky poop (which I think was pee, as white chicken poop as I read is "pee")
She was free ranged and had tons of different places to get fresh water. Also ample supply of fresh food, chicken scratch, and treats everyday. (meal worms or chicken treat "mix")
Was eating every day up to her passing over night.
Found her dead in the coop next morning.

2nd girl a month later...
Had whitish poop stains on rear (but nothing compared to the first girl)
Had stopped laying eggs for a few weeks.
Same as the first girl, lots of water, cleaned daily...fresh food and treats.

Yard is pesticide free. We do not use chemicals for anything-weeds/pests...

3rd chicken is fine, laying an egg a day and showing no signs of what the other two went through...

Any ideas?

Thank you.

 

[Eggcessive]

It sounds like it could possibly have been a disease of the kidney, which can happen from infections, eating too much calcium in layer feed as chicks, as well as other causes. Did they even show signs of gout--swollen legs or feet? Hens die suddenly all the time, as most of the time we can only guess as to the cause.

 

[Judy]

Agreed. At that age, a problem in the reproductive tract is a common cause, like ovarian cancer or internal laying.

 

[SilverLacedMom]

No swollenness.

I do add calcium in the form of oystershell in their food, there is always plenty left in the bottom of the feed tray, but I figure it is there, if they needed it they could take it, if not they would leave it alone?

Did I just kill my chickens by overdosing on calcium?????

They never had layer feed as chicks, as they were all on chick feed then introduced to layer at the right time.

 

[SilverLacedMom]

BTW they were from MyPetChicken.com

Does that have anything to do with their unhealthyness?

 

[Judy]

No, I think it's VERY unlikely you killed your chickens with too much calcium. Eggcessive was talking about too much calcium as young chicks causing kidney problems, etc.

There are any number of things that could have happened, including a lot of things that happen to people, like heart attack, cancer, infection, aneurysm, liver disease, etc., etc. In the end, the best route is a necropsy. In most states, the state vet lab or an ag college will do this for free or a small fee, but you need to chheck into it in advance, as they will want the bird in a particular condition and within a particular period of time.

 

[Suzie]

I am saddened to hear of the demise of your chickens... both of the above comments should be of comfort to you in your losses... so frequently it happens to my girls who are aged between two to five years of age. I have questioned my abilities in looking after their best interests and all of mine free range but are housed securely at night, their feed, coop and nesting boxes are adequate, comfortable and bug free.... I will sometimes cry myself to sleep at the loss(es) of one of mine - they become a part of our lives and we should question ourselves BUT must also accept that if and when we do all that we can to give them a happy and healthy life that they succumb to whatever ails them... we can rest assured that we gave them a wonderful life.. be it for a long time or their lives were short lived...

In France there is no such thing as a necropsy... I accept that once one of mine has died that I have to satisfy myself that I did all I could to ensure a happy and healthy life and environment... so many illnesses and circumstances happen... it is a part of being and as sad as that may be... they do greatly enhance our lives.... we will never know at times as to WHY....

The very fact that you posted and questioned what happened speaks volumes... you are to be commended for you love and concern... I hope and pray that chicken three thrives and survives.. with your loving care it will!

 

[SilverLacedMom]

Thank you all so much for the concerns and words of wisdom Flockwatcher and Eggcessive...it is priceless.

Suzie, you hit the nail on the head with your post. It has bothered me so much with their passing. They are burried in a special place in my garden.

To be honest I thought I had done something and I didnt want to post because I would sound ignorant, that I should have known the warning signs, (not laying eggs and the white poo)

My parents as well have been effected by their loss as they are part of the family...we have been wanting answers...and now I can tell them it 'just happens'

We were thinking that they ate a bug or something sprayed with pesticides that came into our yard...

We have 1 girl left, that we are looking for a few buddies. I read that chickens usually need friends or they get depressed. She doesnt seem depressed, she is laying an egg a day and is happily feeding well, but we are searching for a friend or two non the less.

Thank you again for all of your support. It is priceless. Thank you for taking the time to reply with your thoughts.