Cockerel Dead at 9 weeks

[LibbyR]

In that case, they have a reputation of having heart attacks, flipping over and suddenly dying. I lost a couple to heart attacks with no other visible symptoms and I have lost 2 to ascites (yellow fluid buildup in the body cavities which increases blood pressure and decreases blood oxygen levels. This causes a lot of strain on the heart and lungs and eventually the right ventricle blows out. A tell-tale sign is the comb, waddle and skin going purple).

His comb and wattles were purple when I found him so maybe the last thing you mentioned is a possibility.

 

[Northern.Ontario]

Ascites will be something to keep an eye on. How many Cornish cross do you have? Ascites is a slow onset disease and you'll start seeing the comb/waddle change from red to purple. Their skin will turn purple from pink especially near the rear abdomen. This area is generally where the non-inflammatory protein rich, yellowish fluid will be building up. They will only have days to live once you notice the change. It is highly recommended you process them right away. The meat is perfectly fine. Ascites is not a contagious disease. It is an Achilles heal of the Cornish cross. I started mine on 18% medicated feed for the first 3 weeks and then dropped it to 17% until process time at 10 weeks old. Weight gain too fast is a leading cause of ascites. Others include the chicks getting chilled in the first 10 days and possibly overheating at the adult stage.

 

[LibbyR]

Ascites will be something to keep an eye on. How many Cornish cross do you have? Ascites is a slow onset disease and you'll start seeing the comb/waddle change from red to purple. Their skin will turn purple from pink especially near the rear abdomen. This area is generally where the non-inflammatory protein rich, yellowish fluid will be building up. They will only have days to live once you notice the change. It is highly recommended you process them right away. The meat is perfectly fine. Ascites is not a contagious disease. It is an Achilles heal of the Cornish cross. I started mine on 18% medicated feed for the first 3 weeks and then dropped it to 17% until process time at 10 weeks old. Weight gain too fast is a leading cause of ascites. Others include the chicks getting chilled in the first 10 days and possibly overheating at the adult stage.

Can it only affect one of the bunch? I will definitely keep an eye on the rest. I have 14 now. The cockerels are the ones who look kinda clumsy which is the reason I’m not using them as my meat pen and wouldn’t be surprised if another one of them dies. The pullets look great and aren’t as heavy. They will be processed in three weeks due to the fair not being till then. I wish I could’ve got them later but there’s a deadline and it just has to be that way. I’m going to feed them less and hopefully that helps lessen the problem.

 

[Mosey2003]

It's related to heart disease, it can absolutely affect just one. Good idea to ration the feed though.

 

[LibbyR]

Thanks for the replies so far they’ve been helpful. I have another question. These are Cornish roasters which grow at 2 weeks slower than the Cornish X. Am curious as to whether they will survive for 2-3 more weeks? Just long enough for them to be shown and sold? They will be just a week over the age to butcher at 13 weeks.