all juveniles drop dead in less than 24 hours

[Cadillac Jill]

I'm just learning about raising chickens as I go, but I do know a thing or two about common decency. You do not owe your friends replacements for the free chickens they somehow managed to kill. If anything, they owe YOU an explanation. If the chickens you retained had met a similar fate, I can see where they might have a valid concern about wasted effort and resources. As it is, I'm surprised they had the nerve to even approach you about the matter.

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

I would guess something environmental as well. Did they have their lawn treated? Any neighbors spraying lawn chemicals or pesticides? Are they surrounded by pastures or cropland? I know cotton crops are sprayed with a defoliant. Could there have been something sprayed around them? How about mosquito spraying (although it is kind of late in the season for that)? Could something have gotten in their water source? Younger birds would be smaller in size and more susceptible.

It doesn't sound like a genetic issue. It sounds like a care issue or an environmental issue.

I'm sorry they are making you feel bad. It isn't your fault. You were trying to be nice and help them out. They are being rude to ask for free replacements.

 

[shuizar209]

Why would you replace something that you gave away for free? I can see if they paid you for them.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Absolutely, unless it was in the spirit of, let's try to figure this out together for the sake of both our flocks, which does not seem to be the case. You don't actually owe them a response. And I would not have their necropsy done, if only because I wouldn't want to chance contact with something yukky.

You've had some good suggestions as to what the cause might be.

Forget about it. Not your problem. Not at all. I would not consider giving them more, whatever your relationship is, if only because you'll probably never know why they died.

 

[suzettex5]

I wouldnt replace a single bird. Especially when they cant give a cause of death. Why would anyone send more birds off to die?

Maybe just tell the how sorry you are, how you WISH you knew what the problem was, and how sad it must be for them. Then maybe suggest a NEW source of birds for them- a source they would have to actually PAY for. See if they still want birds then.


If they even suggest wanting any of your current flock, I would tell them that you just dont have any extras right now, the others were extras, and thats why you were able to give them to them.

Maybe an impromptu visit is in order here, or maybe just a quick drive by to see what can be seen from the road? Ya never know, you just might see some familiar chooks runnin around their yard, cuz something isnt adding up in their story.

 

[WyandotteTX]

I have been raising chickens for over 35 years and yes I have seen this happen before. It is something environmental or as strange as it may sound even something as small as mosquitos that might lead to this. Who really knows? As for the necropsy, never done one, never seen one, never knew of anyone who would pay for one. Perhaps they dont have the money or time to bother with it. As for replacing them, that is up to your own good nature to be that generous to them. Guess I try to have a little more faith in people than others do. Not everyone is a crook and not everything that happens in this world is a conspiracy against you.
Just me two cents, have a great day!

 

[mom2to]

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thank you and everyone. i will not be giving anymore for free to them. i would have to sell some also since no one knows what's wrong. i will let everyone know if something changes. thank you again

 

[mypicklebird]

24 hrs is not a problem for doing a basic necropsy. especially if it is cool out. Put one in the fridge & send it off in the AM. Even if they are bit off, a basic local necropsy will show worms, impactions, some type of poisons ect (like colored bait). Cultures /histopath are not useful in a chicken that died a few days ago, or wat in 100 degree heat- but seriously 24 hrs is not that bad....

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[mypicklebird]

If this was my friend to whom I had given chickens to--- would put on some protective booties and gloves and go over there and check out their coop & look at some of their dead birds. That many birds dropping dead in one night and looking normal the day before? If it was some sort of predator- a close inspection of several should show some trauma. If it was a toxin of some sort- they truly may look normal. Something infectious- you may see evidence on or around them- diarrhea, snotty noses or eyes ect. If they don't know chickens well, they may not know what sick chickens look like. One thought- if they ran out of water, they could have looked normal for a few days- then all die within 24 hrs of each other- though they would need to be out of water for a few days. Who was responsible for feeding/watering them? Adult vs kid?

I doubt they sold them ect and are scamming you. If they were trying to scam you, I would think they would come up with a more believable story with no mystery bodies that you might want to come and inspect. The chickens would not have dropped dead, they would just have disappeared/stolen or something.

 

[Momo]

Any chance of a lightning strike? It can happen in the winter...