One of my Buff Orpington hens died this morning. I am very sad about this and have tried to research the possible causes. Based on what I have discovered, I think she died of fatty liver syndrome which causes sudden death to what appears to be a healthy hen in her egg laying prime. The only signs she displayed were a pale comb which was slightly swollen. It was like this for perhaps months--but she looked well. In fact that is the problem--she looked too well.
Fatty liver syndrom affects hens and is caused from overeating high energy foods. Fat builds up around the liver which ruptures and the bird dies of hemorghing (sp?) In my case the culprit may likely be feeding peanuts to my birds which I now find is not recommended. The other problem with peanuts is that they may harbor toxins. See:
http://www.provet.co.uk/petfacts/healthtips/aflatoxinpeanuts.htmnuts
My birds love peanuts and I have fed them peanuts liberally. That will stop.
Basically, I feel like I killed my hen with indulgence AKA love.
Fatty liver syndrom affects hens and is caused from overeating high energy foods. Fat builds up around the liver which ruptures and the bird dies of hemorghing (sp?) In my case the culprit may likely be feeding peanuts to my birds which I now find is not recommended. The other problem with peanuts is that they may harbor toxins. See:
http://www.provet.co.uk/petfacts/healthtips/aflatoxinpeanuts.htmnuts
My birds love peanuts and I have fed them peanuts liberally. That will stop.
Basically, I feel like I killed my hen with indulgence AKA love.
