Autopsy *graphic pics* plz help

[Amv]

Hello! I am a semi newish bird owner but need help figuring out what is killing my chicks. Ive had 4 die. The first three I thought were from a fox that actually ripped most of my leghorns wing off (she’s survived and thriving) but now I think it’s from whatever disease this is. Basically I’m going outside to feed and water and play with my kids and they’re off to the side dead. I’ve seen no signs of any disease. Last night at bed time I found one on the ground again weak but alive. Didn’t make it to morning. Cut her open my first time having to do that. Everything looked normal from what I’ve read/looked at online. I thought mareks but didn’t see any tumors. Then I thought coccidis(sp?) but no bloody stuff in intestines just poop. The only thing that looked odd was the underside of the liver was green. But I thought maybe that’s from the gallbladder I have no idea. Any insights? I want to save my other birds!!

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

How was

Hello! I am a semi newish bird owner but need help figuring out what is killing my chicks. Ive had 4 die. The first three I thought were from a fox that actually ripped most of my leghorns wing off (she’s survived and thriving) but now I think it’s from whatever disease this is. Basically I’m going outside to feed and water and play with my kids and they’re off to the side dead. I’ve seen no signs of any disease. Last night at bed time I found one on the ground again weak but alive. Didn’t make it to morning. Cut her open my first time having to do that. Everything looked normal from what I’ve read/looked at online. I thought mareks but didn’t see any tumors. Then I thought coccidis(sp?) but no bloody stuff in intestines just poop. The only thing that looked odd was the underside of the liver was green. But I thought maybe that’s from the gallbladder I have no idea. Any insights? I want to save my other birds!!

she before she was dead?

 

[Amv]

How was

she before she was dead?

Wouldn’t walk but could extend legs and curl toes. Would eat or drink water I gave her

 

[Susan Skylark]

You’ve correctly identified bile staining, no visible disease process. For coccidia you want bloody diarrhea and mareks is a slow wasting disease, don’t just pick a common chicken disease and guess, symptoms are your clues: sudden death is a symptom. Think heat stroke, clostridium, stress or fright, heart attack in quickly growing meat birds, possible toxin…

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

Could it be something genetic? I once lost 4 store bought hatchlings, and from what I looked up, my guess is that they didn’t quarantine the chicks, so I got a batch of shipping stressed birds which probably didn’t have enough nutrients in their eggs to begin with.

 

[Amv]

You’ve correctly identified bile staining, no visible disease process. For coccidia you want bloody diarrhea and mareks is a slow wasting disease, don’t just pick a common chicken disease and guess, symptoms are your clues: sudden death is a symptom. Think heat stroke, clostridium, stress or fright, heart attack in quickly growing meat birds, possible toxin…

Okay thank you. Ime leaning towards heat stroke. I’m just concerned it’s something that will spread to my other chicks. I’ll provide more shade and a fan and see if that helps. As far as toxin goes my husband mentioned that but I have no clue what the toxin would be. Our bigger hens and ducks free range and have had no issues

 

[Amv]

Could it be something genetic? I once lost 4 store bought hatchlings, and from what I looked up, my guess is that they didn’t quarantine the chicks, so I got a batch of shipping stressed birds which probably didn’t have enough nutrients in their eggs to begin with.

Very possible. My husband brought them home from tractor supply half off sale (2 months ago) . The others in the pen with them were hatched at my daughters school are are healthy and doing great. I’m just concerned they will get it if it’s something transmissible and my daughter will be so upset (me too lol)

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

Hm. What breed are they? If they’re a rare breed, or meat birds, then it’s possible that the deaths could be due to inbreeding. I would also note heat stroke, as it’s been hot lately. But if it’s heat stroke, wouldn’t the younger birds die first?

 

[Auntiejessi3]

If another one dies Bag it up and keep it cold (not frozen) and send it in for a necropsy
https://www.metzerfarms.com/poultry-labs.html

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hello! I am a semi newish bird owner but need help figuring out what is killing my chicks. Ive had 4 die. The first three I thought were from a fox that actually ripped most of my leghorns wing off (she’s survived and thriving) but now I think it’s from whatever disease this is. Basically I’m going outside to feed and water and play with my kids and they’re off to the side dead. I’ve seen no signs of any disease. Last night at bed time I found one on the ground again weak but alive. Didn’t make it to morning. Cut her open my first time having to do that. Everything looked normal from what I’ve read/looked at online. I thought mareks but didn’t see any tumors. Then I thought coccidis(sp?) but no bloody stuff in intestines just poop. The only thing that looked odd was the underside of the liver was green. But I thought maybe that’s from the gallbladder I have no idea. Any insights? I want to save my other birds!!

Welcome To BYC

I'm sorry for your loss.

I agree, it would be good to send a bird for necropsy if you lose another.

How old are the chicks?
What do you feed, including treats?

Have you treated for Coccidiosis at all? That may be a good place to start or get a fecal float through your vet to rule it out.

There are 9 strains of Coccidia that affect poultry and only 2 present with blood in the stool, so not seeing blood is not always a good indicator that Coccidiosis is not a problem.

See that they are eating a balanced chick starter, that they have access to grit (crushed granite) free choice, have fresh water.

Photos of the birds themselves, housing, etc. may be helpful, especially if you have photos of the sick ones and their poop.