RIP Blackie (my avatar)
We were gone for a couple of days, and found her dead upon our return. She appears to have probably died yesterday, judging by insect infestation and smell. When we left, she was fine, although she hadn't laid an egg in a few days, which is not at all like her. They still had plenty of water and food when we got back, and the other 3 are doing fine, although a bit stressed for having to deal with their dead sister laying on the ground in the middle of their play yard! No indication as to cause of death - she showed no symptoms of being egg bound before we left and her belly felt normal when we picked her body up, no evidence of attack, so I don't know what to think, other than that sometimes they just die. So, now we are down to 3 again. Anyone have a couple of pullets available? We are in the far west valley (Phoenix area).