dead chicken

[darandsam]

I didn't know which section to post this in so hope this is alright.

I had a chicken die this morning and I don't know why. I had three of them and they would not eat the corn in their scratch until about two weeks ago. I have had them since last spring. Could lack of scratch have led to her death? they did eat the seeds and their regular mash. I check their water every couple of hours to make sure it hasn't iced over.

I'm in northern Michigan and the chickens are in the garage with a 12"x18" door for light and access to outside if they wish. They prefer to stay inside. I keep the snow shoveled away in their pen so they can get around easy if they go out.

They seem content and I always talk to them.

I'll try and find out what happened to her but my big question is whether I can feed her cooked remains to my cats.

darandsam

 

[fiberart57]

I wouldn't feed an animal that died of unknown causes to my cat. It will probably be okay if you chose to do so, but unless you know for sure what the problem you are taking a chance. Is it possible that the chicken got into some poison? Some weed killer or insecticide? If so, that will go to your cat as well.

Mary

P.S. Sometimes chickens just die. It's called SCDS - Sudden Chicken Death Syndrome (I didn't make this up, honestly).

 

[darandsam]

Thanks, Mary

I hadn't read about the SCDS before. It's good to know that as this has me really stumped.

I check on them often so that I can see any changes in their behavior and have seen nothing. In fact, I think they are getting used to the weather change and not as grumpy as they were when the storms first hit.

Darlene

 

[Amethyste]

Quote:
Sounds like youa re just fine... Chickens don't NEED scratch. It's basically a candy to them if you are giving them mash/layer feed. They won't die if they dont't get any corn....tho mine wil try and tell you that they will

As long as they have good quality feed (yummy scraps too!!) and fresh water, they wil be fine. Some birds tho don;t care for scratch...odd things that they are lol

I really do think this was one of those things...sadly for being such scrappy little things they can be very fragile, and just die without warning. I have had that happen in the past where a bird just up and died with no warning.... nothing seemed to be wrong.

I wouldnt give the remains to the cat, simply cos you don't really know how the bird died, and if your hen got into something toxic, it could be passed on to your kitty.

 

[farmin'chick]

Were you giving them access to grit? They would need that to grind up the corn...