Causes of sudden death?

[Acre4Me]

Today, my 1 year old hen was found dead (turned 1 year old today). No marks, no blood, no indicators over the past few days of illness, and has red comb and wattles. Was let out of the coop in the morning (seemed fine), then around 1pm checked for eggs and she was dead in the run. We checked her over externally and did not see anything unusual. Has been consistently laying eggs, including an egg yesterday. Nothing unusual noticed in any droppings from the chickens.

So, what are the possibilities, and is there anything I should check the carcass for?

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Could be anything from a heart attack to fatty liver disease. Refrigerate the bird and send it to your state lab if you’re curious.

http://www.heritageacresmarket.com/poultry-necropsy-labs/amp/

 

[coach723]

I'm sorry for your loss.
Agree, a necropsy is the best way to know for sure. Here are more resources:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahln/downloads/all_nahln_lab_list.pdf
http://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm
You can also try to do an informal one yourself if you are up to that. You won't have labs to identify bacteria or virus's, but it can sometimes identify abnormalities in the organs.
https://vet.uga.edu/oldvpp/programs/afvet/attachments/how_to_necropsy_a_bird.pdf

 

[Relleoms]

Yep, I also suggest a necropsy. Last spring, coincidentally also on my hen’s first birthday, I found her dead from fatty liver disease. It was a complete shock, but because I had a necropsy, I had peace of mind and was also able to make a few changes to my husbandry practices (changed my feed & stopped letting them eat from the ground around the wild bird feeders). Knock on wood, we’ve not had any additional issues. Sorry about your loss. It never gets easier

 

[aart]

Bummer
Probably won't find anything with a DIY necropsy if she just dropped dead with no symptoms previously.