matthewr73
Hatching
- May 20, 2015
- 8
- 2
- 9
So I live out in the black hills of South Dakota and have a small flock of production reds that free range in a 5 acre pasture. I thought I bought 15 hens and 2 roosters, but after a year I think I have 17 hens and no roosters. The peace and quiet and no crowing should have gave it away. About a month ago I had two hens go broody. So I thought I'd let the girls sit on a clutch of eggs for three weeks. Well I candled them and none were fertile. Anyway now for the main part of the story..... I noticed today one of my broody hens was sitting in the yard acting lethargic. So I went over and picked her up. She kept closing her eyes, but looked normal. No discharge, eyes clear. I tried to feel if she was egg bound, but couldn't feel any signs of eggs. And she hadn't acted stressed or strained, like she was trying to pass an egg. I had to run to town so I set her down and decided to check on her when I got back.
When I got back, I found her in the same spot I had set her down. She had her head tucked under her wing and she had passed away, going to the big coop in the sky. I don't think she was egg bound, but I didn't open her up either.
I'm just surprised lose a hen at a year old. The Avian Bird Flu is on the other side of the state so that concerns me too. So I'll keep a close eye on the rest of my girls.
When I got back, I found her in the same spot I had set her down. She had her head tucked under her wing and she had passed away, going to the big coop in the sky. I don't think she was egg bound, but I didn't open her up either.
I'm just surprised lose a hen at a year old. The Avian Bird Flu is on the other side of the state so that concerns me too. So I'll keep a close eye on the rest of my girls.