Bloody shell, then dead bird

[Purdy Chicks]

Hello, new to this forum. 2 days ago one of our americanas laid an egg with a bloody shell. Today she was separating herself from the flack. Tonight she was found dead on the floor of the coop. No signs of attack, or bullying, or worms... But checking her bottom end she was a little red around the butt area. I'm guessing it was something out of our control and unknown to us, but wondering if anyone has ever had a similar experience or might guess as to the possible cause of death.

 

[Debbie292d]

So sorry for your loss. Was she a new layer or was that egg she laid larger than usual? I doubt she bled to death because we all experience a time or two when there's a little blood on an egg so it's usually nothing we worry about unless it would be a massive amt of blood.

Other causes for blood on an egg could be from mite/lice infestation back there which you'd have probably seen, or pecking from other chickens.

 

[Purdy Chicks]

Thanks for the response. She was not a new layer, and no abnormally large eggs. Is it possible for a chicken to get "backed up" if they can't get to a nest box? I only have 5 nests for 20 birds, and a couple are always occupied with brooders. Also... Is that too few nests?

 

[Ducklad]

5 boxes for 20 birds is more than enough. On the getting "backed up", their bodies will naturally send the eggs out no matter what, but being egg-bound could have been an issue here. Many flocks will share the same one nest box even if provided with multiple.
I don't have much else to say, I only had chickens for a little while, mainly a duck person.

I'm so sorry for your loss, I know it's hard. <3