2 chickens dropped dead

[kingrhys]

I came home from work yesterday and found two of my easter eggers dead in their run. One was my rooster; he looked like he'd been sitting on a branch and just fell over backwards and died. The other was the smallest hen, who died in a corner under their house. My other three hens are healthy and active. No changes in feed or water. Their house and run are clean and well ventilated. What can make a chicken die suddenly?

 

[Zahboo]

What is the temperature there? If they got too hot that could explain it.

 

[kingrhys]

Temps got into the mid 70's yesterday. Their water was cool and half-full when I got home. Feeder was also half full. Not a mark on either chicken, no blood, no swollen vents. Their run is 10' by 3.5', with a little house built into the upper part of the south side. Plenty of shade, space, and ventilation. Bedding is clean and dry. Any other clues I should be looking for?

 

[chickensioux]

The only way to truly tell what happened is a necropsy. If there are no outward, visible clues. Sorry for your losses.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I agree. with two dying like that, I'd call my county extension agent, in the phone book under county government, and see what options are available for a necropsy. They will know the cheapest best way to get one done. If it were only one I would not, but with two....

 

[kingrhys]

I buried them quick before my little boy could get home from school and see them.

 

[chickensioux]

Uh oh, well, keep a close eye on the others and if it happens, I suggest a necropsy. Hopefully, it won't......