A First for Me and My Hen

[Buckguy20]

I had a first yesterday. I had a broody hen and chicks were pipping when I checked Tuesday night. When I got home yesterday I went to check the progress of the chicks. The hen was on the ground dead and 12 little fuzzballs were sitting quietly up in the nest . No sign of trauma, she hadn't shown any signs of illness. She had been dead for a while because she was stiff. The chicks are all doing fine. I have had chickens die before but not a broody hen. This was a first for me and for her as well for that matter.

Monty

 

[Poison Ivy]

Oh that is so sad hope the babies do ok.

 

[BeckyLa]

Could it have been the heat? A broody's body temp will rise when setting, perhaps with the peeps under her she just couldn't take the heat? Has it been hot where you are?

 

[Buckguy20]

I thought about that but it wasn't hot here (Oklahoma) . It was in the upper eighties but with all the rain we have had it is very humid. The heat index was around 100, maybe she sweated to death. I know I thought I was going to.
The chicks are fine. I had another hen that only hatched three chicks, so I put them with her.
I hated to lose her, she was a mix but was a self blue color. Self blue coloring is rare in most standards. I think she may have carried the Lavender gene so I am hoping the chicks will get some of her color. Thanks to all for the kind words.
Monty

 

[justusnak]

Awwww, Monty..im so sorry. Jeesh, thats terrible to come home to. I would say it was the heat and humidity. Poor gal. So the other hen took the babies no problem? Hope you get at least one that looks just like its momma! Wanna see pics, if possible.!

 

[SpottedCrow]

Sorry for your loss...I think it might've been a combination of the heat, humidity and being broody...good luck with the peeps.

 

[hinkjc]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Did you take notice if she got off her nest daily to eat, drink and go potty? I had a broody who wouldn't budge at all. I had to manually move her off the nest daily or she would've died there. She turned to bones and was so pale, I almost thought I was too late till I figured out what was happening. I now watch my broodies closely to ensure at least one walk a day..they need that to keep their strength up for the tough job they're doing. I hope the chicks do well with their new mom.

Jody