2 days and 6 dead chickens later ugh!

[Mrs. K]

You know gas was my original first thought, but there is no way possible. It is a loan coop, no energy of any kind is added. It has great ventilation. The manure is not built up. This is just weird.

mk

 

[Boonie Stomper]

Are your other birds being watched? Quarantined?

 

[Mrs. K]

Well as I am pretty sure I have the only chickens in 30 miles, I think that is a quarantine, and yes I am checking on the two remaining birds... but I do not think this was an illness. I have had chickens for decades, and I would recognize if 6 birds were sick. No coughing, no depression, no drooping, no lethargic action, no nasal discharge, good feather color, active birds.

 

[Perris]

my condolences on your loss ; it is perhaps a small consolation that they apparently felt no pain.

 

[Mrs. K]

I am a bit concerned about the rooster. I have not let them out since Friday, so it would not be an additional exposure. He is bright eyed, squatted down, like he was basking in the sun, only he is in the coop in the dark. He did get up and walk out, but a little slower, like he had just been woken up.

No distress at all, feathers look glorious, erect carriage, no breathing issues, no drainage from nostrils or eyes. Eyes are bright. If you asked me, looking at him, I would say he is fine. Maybe I am gun shy, but...??? being in the coop in the middle of the day is not right.

I put a call into the vet, course they can't tell me anything without seeing a bird, and it is a 45 mile trip in the opposite direction of work. Today is Sunday, tomorrow I work. Not quite sure I can ask my DH to take him in. We will see.

Very discouraging.

Mrs K

 

[Mrs. K]

ok, I think I found the poison, some very, very old poisoned oats. A small pile was found in an old building they do hang out in. The source of that will be taken care of, it is a relief to have solved this. And a spur to take some needed action.

Mrs K

 

[Folly's place]

I'm so sorry!
If it was that oat pile, do you know what was the toxin?
I think having a necropsy would be best; try calling the state vet lab tomorrow about it. Chilled, not frozen, and could be shipped to them.
Another thought; save their feed, in plastic, in original bag, at least until you talk to the vet tomorrow. Consider calling the feed company; Some will want to know that it was or wasn't their product, and will want some, including lot numbers, for testing. A mycotoxin could do this and not leave a lot of evidence. Botulism too.
Mary

 

[Mrs. K]

Thank you all for your support, I am truly going to miss this flock.

I am thinking one hen left, and she is perky, now what to do? I so like having chickens, and to basically do a start over. What kind? Of course at different times, I have thought, if I had to do it over again, I would..." but all those thoughts have seem to have left me.

Ugh!

Mrs K

 

[Folly's place]

Again, so sorry! Has your rooster died too?
Give it a little time, or more time, and order for spring.
Chanteclers! Wyandottes! Big birds, small combs and wattles, many color choices.
Mary

 

[casportpony]

So sorry for your loss.