A hen dying every two weeks

[Ccort]

I started with nine. I'm down to six girls now. Ive had one die every two weeks. The second to die had a necropsy and the vet said she had Fatty Liver Disease.
I've never fed a lot of treats and their treats were mash, veggies, fruit BUT two weeks ago, cut out all treats and expanded their free ranging time for more exercise. All my girls are just over a year old.
All eat Purina Flock Raiser crumbles with access to grit and oyster shells.
The one who died today died in my arms. These are LOVED birds. Please, help.
I couldn't find anyone today to take her for a necropsy so only one has had it done.
1. What am I doing wrong? Is it really possible ALL are dying or going to die from this?
2. Is it ok for them to be eating lots of grass while free ranging?
I use NO chemicals in my yard.
3. Lastly, after she died today...I noticed this sticking out...is that normal?

 

[ChickNanny13]

Sorry for you losses Cutting out all treats 2wks ago may not be enough time for the liver to recover. I was guilty of "healthy" treats, then when my girls started losing weight thought worms so I treated them, with no results. Was told about "treats" so I stopped and within the month they started putting on weight. I still "treat" but not like I used to. http://www.poultrydvm.com/condition/fatty-liver-syndrome
That looks like poop

 

[JoanieShrubs]

No advice here, I just wanted to say I’m sorry. I lost two from my flock in the last month and one more is sick now and it’s really sad and demoralising. They are such lovely creatures and the loss is hard. Hope you get answers and a treatment path soon

 

[David61]

personally IMO, fatty liver disease is a default i don't know ("That's all i see).
Now I use Purina flock raiser crumble but its just 50% or less then their daily intake . I feed equal amounts of a local multigrain whole feed (american classic show stopper 10 way grain) as well as what they find in the run.

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

I'm sorry for your losses. That must be really heartbreaking. I do feed normal feed, plus mealworms, and "kitchen scraps," but not every day, and not more than about 3/4 to a cup for nine to twelve birds. Maybe some people will say chickens shouldn't have treats; but people also kept chickens for a long long time before conventional feed came along. I think you have to just use your best judgement and try to give your animals the best quality of life you can. I hope if you make some changes you can avoid more losses, but please also try not to beat yourself up.

 

[BastyPutt]

multigrain whole feed (american classic show stopper 10 way grain)

This is an excellent feed.

 

[Ccort]

I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong

 

[Saveria]

If it is in fact fatty liver disease there can be a genetic disposition to it. Was your flock all from the same parentage? That may explain it. You also may want to read the articles on here about mareks and some threads on avian leukosis because they are both diseases that can cause multiple deaths close together. I hope that the lab didn't screw that up, because it would likely be clear when those are at play, but you never know.

I feed treats in moderation, almost everyone I know does, but I haven't had FLD be an issue, so I think there is something else going. Maybe you could list out all of the symptoms that you noticed?

The only thing that has helped me when I have had multiple deaths in a row is just feeling the sadness or whichever related feeling when it comes up, and reminding myself that it won't always be like this. You will have healthy, happy birds again. You definitely want to do some detective work and try to figure out what is going on, though.

 

[Ccort]

If it is in fact fatty liver disease there can be a genetic disposition to it. Was your flock all from the same parentage? That may explain it. You also may want to read the articles on here about mareks and some threads on avian leukosis because they are both diseases that can cause multiple deaths close together. I hope that the lab didn't screw that up, because it would likely be clear when those are at play, but you never know.

I feed treats in moderation, almost everyone I know does, but I haven't had FLD be an issue, so I think there is something else going. Maybe you could list out all of the symptoms that you noticed?

The only thing that has helped me when I have had multiple deaths in a row is just feeling the sadness or whichever related feeling when it comes up, and reminding myself that it won't always be like this. You will have healthy, happy birds again. You definitely want to do some detective work and try to figure out what is going on, though.

They aren't from the same parentage. I have three breeds from Cackle Hatchery. They're vaccinated for Marek's. I know they can still get it though.

My first girl was totally normal, I came home from being gone for just three hours and found her dead. My second girl was totally normal that morning and I came home from work and found her dead. My third girl, also was normal that morning and and early afternoon. Later in the afternoon, she seemed slightly lethargic, laying around rather than up and playing. About an hour later, she was still that way and had begun panting so I picked her up and held her. Within about 5-10 minutes, she died while I was holding her. Her comb and wattles went pale and her body started thrusting.

I spend TONS of time with my girls. They are absolutely no different to me than my dog or cat. In fact, I'm closer to my chickens than my dog and cat. I'm afraid to check on them whenever I leave, knowing someone might be dead.

On a side note, just within these past five months i also lost my family. This has been the most awful part of my life and I keep losing those I love. I just want to save my birds now.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss. In the picture, it looks like a prolapse. She could have plugged up with an egg, lash egg, or constipated. You can keep the body cold, not frozen until Monday am, and then take it to your state vet for a necropsy. If you cannot afford one, then opening the abdominal cavity yourself can give you some clues. Take pictures if you do one to post here for comments. Unfortunately, chickens don’t always live long lives. I have had some live to 10, but have lost some prematurely. Exposure to viruses, molds, and other things can affect their health. Here is a good video that identifies the organs and can help with doing a necropsy: