6-7 mo old chickens dying, unk cause

[Little Chicken Farmers]

We have had two 6-7 mo old chickens die in the last few weeks. One rooster and one hen. They were perfectly healthy, no runny poop, no breathing issues. They just were suddenly weak and stopped eating and were dead within 24hrs. Any thoughts? Should I get them vitamins for their water ? Really not sure what to do!!

 

[Eggcessive]

A really bad strain of coccidiosis could kill that fast. How far apart were the two deaths? Normally chickens of this age are immune to cocci on there own farms by this age, but a different strain can always be brought in on shoes or car tires from another farm. Corid liquid 2 tsp per gallon for 5 days would be the treatment for cocci. However, without a necropsy done by your state vet, it would be hard to know the exact cause. Here is a link to find your state vet: http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/AnimalHealth/statevets.aspx Here is a link for common illnesses: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

 

[Little Chicken Farmers]

The deaths were about 2 1/2 weeks apart. There is really nobody else that is around our chickens so I dont know about disease being brought in. It is strange how they both acted the same way..... Seems like the hen died a lot faster though, she was weak and then dead in about 12 hrs, rooster was about 24hrs. Just not sure what I can do for the others to prevent further loss, without knowing what killed the first 2.

 

[Little Chicken Farmers]

If I just got the meds for cocci and put it in there water would it hurt them if they didnt have it?

 

[Eggcessive]

No it is a thiamine blocker, the same thing in medicated chick starter only much more strong. It shouldn't hurt them at all, but it might save lives. As i said before, if you have any more deaths, it would be wise to get a necropsy done to find out what you are dealing with.