Chickens going crazy and killing themselves

[centrarchid]

@ChickenSuicideEmergency,

I would clean up everything inside coop and run. Empty feed storage and wash it out with warm soapy water. Also thoroughly clean watering containers and anything used to handle feed and water. Make certain feed is stored in clean, cool and dry location with minimal exposure to sunlight.

Delay acquiring new chickens for at least a couple of weeks.

 

[007Sean]

What you described sounds like they got Ergot poisoning. I had a similar scenario last year but didn't kill any of my birds.

My birds were having seizures, falling down, flopping and then just seize up. After a few minutes they would quit having the seizures.
At first I thought genetic neurological disorder but it wasn't just one species that was exhibiting this behavior.

The only thing I could think of was some type of poisoning. Had the feed anaylized at a lab and it came back positive for Ergot.
Ergot is caused by the fungi, Claviceps ssp. found in cereal grains. Cool, damp weather conditions allow the fungi to thrive in the growing grains.
I have my feed custom milled, and I have red winter wheat, rye, barley, and oats in my feed.
If you can and still have the feed you were feeding them, I'd have it tested.
ETA - This same poisoning is attributed to the Salem Witch trials, it affects humans the same way.

 

[Dawnclucks22]

The feed seems fine date/appearance and all, but I am suspecting this could be the only thing imaginable. Maybe contaminated with something. But am still confused as to how in the world this could cause mass suicide.

Never even heard of mass suicide in chickens before.

What about the water? Do you have pesticides in your yard?

 

[ShannonR]

What you described sounds like they got Ergot poisoning. I had a similar scenario last year but didn't kill any of my birds.

My birds were having seizures, falling down, flopping and then just seize up. After a few minutes they would quit having the seizures.
At first I thought genetic neurological disorder but it wasn't just one species that was exhibiting this behavior.

The only thing I could think of was some type of poisoning. Had the feed anaylized at a lab and it came back positive for Ergot.
Ergot is caused by the fungi, Claviceps ssp. found in cereal grains. Cool, damp weather conditions allow the fungi to thrive in the growing grains.
I have my feed custom milled, and I have red winter wheat, rye, barley, and oats in my feed.
If you can and still have the feed you were feeding them, I'd have it tested.
ETA - This same poisoning is attributed to the Salem Witch trials, it affects humans the same way.

I agree on having the feed analyzed, ergot was something that came to mind immediately for me, as well.

 

[ChickenPalace123]

parasites can sometimes affect the nervous system.

 

[1cock2hens]

Just saying, ChickenSuicideEmergency would make a great band name.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I am so sorry for such a traumatic loss of your flock! Bear hugs to you! Best of luck finding out the real culprit.

 

[chixNW]

I second testing your source of water. A Well could have high levels of arsenic or pesticides. Just for the sake of your family and pets. Health departments do this usually for free. Community water source they bleach heavy as well. Sorry for you loss.

 

[Birdsong 82]

Yes. Testing feed and water (well or city/county) would be my first go to.....but do they free range at all. I was thinking a small nip from a certain plant. Like for instance a type of nightshade or something Some sort of plant where it’s poisonous to them but just a few nibbles doesn’t kill them but makes them ... psychologically not well ... kinda temporary insane guess you could say. Just a thought. I’m very sorry for your loss. It’s the worst when you wittiness it and can’t stop it and to make it worse don’t even know why it happened

 

[ShannonR]

Yes. Testing feed and water (well or city/county) would be my first go to.....but do they free range at all. I was thinking a small nip from a certain plant. Like for instance a type of nightshade or something Some sort of plant where it’s poisonous to them but just a few nibbles doesn’t kill them but makes them ... psychologically not well ... kinda temporary insane guess you could say. Just a thought. I’m very sorry for your loss. It’s the worst when you wittiness it and can’t stop it and to make it worse don’t even know why it happened

The entire flock, though?