Chickens are dying

[arkansasborn21]

So far this week I have found 15 of my chickens dead with nothing missing or wrong with them but one, the head was gone off of that one, so what could have done that and what could have happened to the others if anyone can help

 

[Terri O]

Definitely could be a predator...how secure is your coop arrangement? Terri O

 

[emys]

Give us a little more clues. Were they all dead at the same time on the same day or do you loose one per day? Have checked your feed for mold? Any exposure to chemicals by accident? Antifreeze spill???

 

[arkansasborn21]

nothing can get in to the pen and there was only one that look like something got a hold of it and I would find 3 one day and 4 one day, it wasn't just one at a time accept for the one that looked like something got a hold of it

 

[arkansasborn21]

and no they are not exposued to any chemicals and the feed is fresh i go through a bag every 2 days

 

[arkansasborn21]

can anyone help please

 

[emys]

Any signs of coughing? wheezing? weight loss? listlessness? egg production down? are they more skiddish than usual? Eating less? Rodent droppings in or around pens?

 

[birdlover]

If it were me, I'd take the newest to die and have it necropsied. It could be anything from worms to moldy food to a disease. You need to find out for sure what's going on before you lose more! Sorry I can't be of anymore help. Good luck!

 

[arkansasborn21]

I have seen some that look like they have lost some weight and the egg production has gone down to none a day and they act like they want more feed

 

[emys]

With 14 others dead, I think its fair to say that the one missing its head was either already very weakened or possibly dead before losing its head. I'd be looking for something internal.