Chickens randomly dying with no signs or symptoms?!

[Cowgirl1238]

Hey y'all, I need some help. I've had three chickens die within the last 4 days, no marks, no nothing. We went into the chicken coop the other day to find the automatic waterer shut off. My husband thinks someone may even be poisoning them?! If they added poison to the water, it would make sense because they wouldn't want to dilute the poison. Far fetched I know, but still possible. Maybe they're just sick. Either way, I would like to know what kind of antibiotics to give them. Also keep in mind I live in a small town that doesn't have many options for chicken health, our local feed store does have duracyn though. Thank you in advance!! I want to help my feather babies!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

As you said, anything is possible.
DON'T give antibiotics unless you know they have a bacterial infection.
If they were poisoned, or have a fungal, viral, nutritional, protozoal, environmental issue killing them, antibiotics will be hard on them.
It could just be from dehydration.
The ONLY way to know what is killing multiple birds in short order with no significant symptoms is to have lab work done. Now is not the time to guess and waste more time.
What state are you in. Every state has a lab that will do a necropsy either reasonably or free.

 

[Cowgirl1238]

I am in Missouri. Oh, and I doubt it is from dehydration just because the water wasn't off for a very long time, we caught it pretty soon.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I use the one in Columbia.

Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
1600 East Rollins
Columbia, Missouri 65211
Phone: 573-882-8122 Fax 573-882-1411
AI, CSF, ND, FMD, PRV, IAV-S*

Missouri Department of Agriculture Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
701 North Miller Avenue
Springfield, Missouri 65802
Phone: 573-751-3377
AI, ND, CWD*

 

[Cowgirl1238]

Do they test for free? I'm about 2 hours north of Columbia.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It isn't free. Here's their schedule of fees.
http://vmdl.missouri.edu/services.html
I had a bird go downhill fast and took her there for euthanasia and necropsy. It was about 6+ hours roundtrip.
It was money well spent since I didn't have to prophylactically treat for some unknown problem. Turned out she had cancer.
They're very good and once you know what's wrong, you'll know how to treat or if culling the flock is the only course of action.

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[trailrider330]

Welcome to the BYC flock! We are glad you joined us!

I hope you figure out what is going on with your chickens.

 

[Cowgirl1238]

Thank you guys! I'm glad to be here! Not exactly the new member introduction I was hoping for. thanks for the warm greeting anyway!!