Black Australorp died unexpectedly please help me understand why

[Bawkbok]

I'm sorry for your loss. At least Rita passed in your arms and you shared her last moments loving her. I'm sure she felt your love and concern. It's normal to self question and doubt. We do what we can but often circumstances are out of our control.

Yes, poop is often an indicator of a chicken's health. I am in the habit of inspecting all poop; when I clean the coop daily, when I follow them around the yard and watch them release, when I pick up the run......always inspecting their poop - probably a little obsessive about it.

Give yourself time to grieve as you need to; it's cathartic.