2 hens dead, exploded buttholes?

[Mary R]

Two of our Hi-lines, about two years old, were dead in the coop this morning with what looks like a torn and exploded butthole. Other than looking rough due to molting they had no other obvious symptoms. Observing our other birds and animals, I find no concerns. Their back ends seem intact and just as fluffy as ever. Everyone is up and about, scratching and pecking, drinking and eating. We had 23 hens until these two died. I haven't found bloody poop. There is some runny, but I find that from time to time. They're in an open pasture with 2 sheep and a turkey hen. I appreciate any help.

 

[Squawkers]

Is there a possibility that a predator did that? Are there any maggots in the wound?

 

[WingItRanch]

Do you have any male ducks?...

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Two of our Hi-lines, about two years old, were dead in the coop this morning with what looks like a torn and exploded butthole.

Welcome to BYC!

Sorry for your loss.

Rats? Dogs also often chew the vents, but are not being suggested since they were inside the coop when found.

Seems unlikely that they would have a standard prolapse when not even laying.. though it can happen in some animals when straining to poop.. making it possible pecking by flock members..

2 at the same time.. is what's more indicative of a predator as a consideration.

Getting a necropsy done can be free or affordable to back yard keepers depending on what state you're in, if in the US. If that's a consideration for you then refridgerate the bodies.. contact info for state labratories is listed in the following link..

https://www.metzerfarms.com/poultry-labs.html

 

[CHlCKEN]

I would think a rat. Many will chew up the vent area but they will also chew toes. Notice anything on their feet?

 

[Eggcessive]

How much room and light do they have inside the coop? What do you feed them? Are any molting? Is there a rooster? Sometimes chickens may peck vents, and that can lead to cannibalism and death if they see red tissue or blood. This happens sometimes with a prolapsed vent that the chickens find before the owner does. But vent pecking can result from too much light, overcrowding, too little protein in the diet, and in some aggressive breeds. In some cases they can pull the intestines out. Very sorry for your loss. I hope that you figure out the cause or get the predator if that is the case.

 

[Mary R]

All very helpful considerations. Thank you! There weren't any maggots and we don't have ducks at this time. We don't have dogs nearby, and I haven't noticed rat activity, but I'm going to set some traps to see if that might be it. I didn't notice any obvious signs of chewing on their feet, but I'll check again. They get pellets and corn. I'm taking out corn now and sticking to only pellets. This made me realize they likely aren't getting a large enough percentage of protein with the corn. They also get kitchen scraps and calcium. The Hi-lines are a bit aggressive. I've definitely seen pecking taking place. They have plenty of room. Thanks again for all your suggestions.