2 Dead Laying Hens....Newbie need help

[macone14]

Very first time on this site. Which is awesome by the way!


I was given 4 hens from a friend that decided to move out of state. The hens are about 1 - 1 1/2 yrs old.
About 2 weeks ago I found one Hen dead in the coop. She was just lying on the floor. She was perfectly fine in the morning and early afternoon. When I found her was about the time for feeding which was early evening. Just this past weekend I found another hen dead in the same area of the last hen. I do not what could be killing my hens.

We live in Arizona and the heat is starting to climb. My guess this is the reason for them dying. I have plenty of shade and plenty of water for them. Both hens did not show any signs of lack of energy or lack of appetite.

I have read about them getting spooked and causing self-death but I do not believe this is the case. I also do not suspect a stuck egg as when I pulled them out of the coop I did not feel an egg stuck in them. Just wondered what anyone thought could be the issue?

I have moved the coop to a different part of my yard to provide even more shade for my last 2 survivors. I was told to give them minced garlic at least once a week to help fight off throat issues. Any other helpful hints? Thank you for all your help

 

[2greenboyz]

Sorry your first visit is under these circumstances. You will find tons of info here and plenty of people who share your experiences. It is hard to say why your hens died. The only way to know for sure is to have a necropsy done. If you lose another, be sure to refrigerate (not freeze) the body until you can get it in to have it done. It has to be done within 2 or 3 days.

Perhaps someone can help if you provide more info like what are they eating? Do they feel thin? Do you know if they've ever been wormed? What is their poo looking like? Do they free range? It could have been the heat as you said, I know AZ gets plenty hot and it is just beginning. There are others who have the heat problem as well, perhaps they can make suggestions as to what they do - like freeze water and put ice out there or a mister helps lower temps by up to 20 degrees.