I started this summer with 6 from my original flock and, as of today, I'm down to 3 remaining. The birds are just over two years old and consist of Australorps, Easter Eggers, and Silver Laced Wyandottes. They are all standard size.
The first one was dead when I got home (An EE). With all the record heat Texas had this summer, I assumed it was heat stroke and buried her. The second one (Another EE) I found lying under a tree, close to her water jug, quite lethargic. I was worried so I picked her up and cooled her down in some luke-warm water. When she didn't react hardly at all, I took her inside and placed her on the cool tile with access to food and water. She didn't use either. I sat next to her and waited, but she didn't seem to be improving. Eventually, 3 hours later, she had a rather horrific seizure and passed. Yesterday, I got home around 6 or 7 and found another one dead(My last Australorp). My thought is she, too, had a seizure and died, because of the way her neck was twisted, wings spread out, and legs kicked away from the main body. I could blame the first two deaths on the foul heat we had, but this third one I can not. The weather never hit 100* over the course of this past week.
I heard one hacking and coughing, and was worried that she may be sick, but she was very active and when I listened to her breathing she had a nice clear airway and there wasn't any rattling sound. I figured it had to be the dust bothering her.
There's a vet not far from here, and I plan on calling him during office hours Monday, but it can't hurt asking y'all first.
Other questions I may have not answered: They all drink and eat normally, poop consistent with what it's been in the past. They seem perfectly healthy up until they're not. No recent trauma or any shock that could cause this. They never come into contact with other chickens and I'm very safe when it comes to bio-security.
These birds are my pets and I love each one dearly. It's very depressing for me when I lose one, and I've lost three this summer. If there's anything y'all can do to help, it would be much appreciated.
Ginger, the first to pass.
Rhonda, the second to pass.
Dora, the third.
Rest in peace, girls.
The first one was dead when I got home (An EE). With all the record heat Texas had this summer, I assumed it was heat stroke and buried her. The second one (Another EE) I found lying under a tree, close to her water jug, quite lethargic. I was worried so I picked her up and cooled her down in some luke-warm water. When she didn't react hardly at all, I took her inside and placed her on the cool tile with access to food and water. She didn't use either. I sat next to her and waited, but she didn't seem to be improving. Eventually, 3 hours later, she had a rather horrific seizure and passed. Yesterday, I got home around 6 or 7 and found another one dead(My last Australorp). My thought is she, too, had a seizure and died, because of the way her neck was twisted, wings spread out, and legs kicked away from the main body. I could blame the first two deaths on the foul heat we had, but this third one I can not. The weather never hit 100* over the course of this past week.
I heard one hacking and coughing, and was worried that she may be sick, but she was very active and when I listened to her breathing she had a nice clear airway and there wasn't any rattling sound. I figured it had to be the dust bothering her.
There's a vet not far from here, and I plan on calling him during office hours Monday, but it can't hurt asking y'all first.
Other questions I may have not answered: They all drink and eat normally, poop consistent with what it's been in the past. They seem perfectly healthy up until they're not. No recent trauma or any shock that could cause this. They never come into contact with other chickens and I'm very safe when it comes to bio-security.
These birds are my pets and I love each one dearly. It's very depressing for me when I lose one, and I've lost three this summer. If there's anything y'all can do to help, it would be much appreciated.
Ginger, the first to pass.
Rhonda, the second to pass.
Dora, the third.
Rest in peace, girls.
and WONDERFUL pets! And from the pictures you posted, they were absolutely beautiful chickens!!! Unfortunately I don't have any solution for you. I would just do as the ones said before me. But I am sending a hug your way and my sympathies!!!!!
