Chickens seem to die in cold wet weather

[Masterjoe]

Hello, not sure if age has something to do with it. I have chickens around 8-10 months old who have access to shelter. They prefer though to be in the cold wet weather. I have had a few chickens die during these cold rain spells. Are they just the weak chickens or what? Could it be the hatcheries where we get them from. Never had these kind of issues before with the red pullets and cornish rocks. We have red rangers and mixed breeds of layers rir barnevelder Dominique etc.

 

[chickens really]

Any symptoms?....Stress kills Chickens...Diseases come out in Chickens when temps drop and stress...

 

[microchick]

Also, were your chicks vaccinated for Marek's disease? 8-10 months is the magic age where if you have Marek's on your property, it will start to be noticed.

Sorry you are having so much trouble. Hopefully somebody will get to the bottom of it for you.

 

[Molpet]

you can get one tested to know for sure

http://www.backyardchickenelearning.com/chicken-dies-unexpectedly/

 

[Masterjoe]

Also, were your chicks vaccinated for Marek's disease? 8-10 months is the magic age where if you have Marek's on your property, it will start to be noticed.

Sorry you are having so much trouble. Hopefully somebody will get to the bottom of it for you.

Not sure that’s a good point. I lost some at younger ages as well. No signs of stress or disease they just up and died. Had a couple that were walking around acting normal and next moment dead

 

[chickens really]

You have to be missing something...?...Unless they have bad hearts and have heartattacks ?

 

[microchick]

Not sure that’s a good point. I lost some at younger ages as well. No signs of stress or disease they just up and died. Had a couple that were walking around acting normal and next moment dead

I lost one at 9 weeks to classic Marek's paralysis and a very healthy cockerel at 9 months to sudden death.

Yes, it is possible to loose birds at a younger age to Mareks if you have a strain that is potent and deadly enough they do not survive the initial infection. Sudden death is quite possible and does occur at a younger age with out symptoms.

I know because I have Marek's in my flock and I am speaking from experience. I also had an 8 week old die unexpectedly. Well when I locked her up, dead within two hours of letting her out the next day with zero symptoms other than not wanting to move around and dying.

Marek's can manifest it'self as young as 5 weeks.

I would consider a necropsy if you are loosing so many birds. Something is causing it. I'm just saying add Marek's disease to your list of possibilities.

 

[junebuggena]

What are you feeding?

 

[BlueJayFarm]

Are they avoiding their shelter? It may be infested with mites.

 

[kitkat5505]

If they are cold and wet it’s not good. Chickens can survive very cold weather, if they are dry. Is their run covered? If mine were staying out in cold wet weather I’d put them in their coop and lock them in if necessary so they could be dry. Their feathers can’t protect from cold if they are wet.