Can chickens get and die of cancer?

[Chicka101]

I have just lost an australorp she was one of two and for a few months she has had a lump the size of a cricket ball under her vent. We lost a roo to an eye infection 3 days ago but she didn’t have anything like that and was fine yesterday morning, e we found her yesterday night . Please help

 

[Chicka101]

This is the lump

 

[West Bend]

So sorry for your loss. I wish I would be able to help. My sincere condolences to your family.

 

[MickWithChicks]

Yes. Chickens can get and die of cancer. Ovarian tumors are very common in hens (about 30% of hens by 2.5 years). Mareks disease will cause tumours. Lymphoid leukosis is vertically and horizontally transmitted and will cause tumours.

Not sure whether what you're showing in her leg is a tumour or not.

There are a number of diseases that will cause both/either/none of the two symptoms that you said your rooster and hen had. Mareks and Mycoplasma Gallisepticum are two that come to mind.

It could all be a coincidence too... the only way to know is to get a necropsy. Short of that, keep an eye on the remaining flock members for any symptoms. Hopefully both were unrelated and coincidental deaths and there are no more issues.

 

[Chicka101]

Yes. Chickens can get and die of cancer. Ovarian tumors are very common in hens (about 30% of hens by 2.5 years). Mareks disease will cause tumours. Lymphoid leukosis is vertically and horizontally transmitted and will cause tumours.

Not sure whether what you're showing in her leg is a tumour or not.

There are a number of diseases that will cause both/either/none of the two symptoms that you said your rooster and hen had. Mareks and Mycoplasma Gallisepticum are two that come to mind.

It could all be a coincidence too... the only way to know is to get a necropsy. Short of that, keep an eye on the remaining flock members for any symptoms. Hopefully both were unrelated and coincidental deaths and there are no more issues.

They are most likely unrelated as the hen had been suffering for months yet the cockerel a week and they occurred differently