Dead hen

[doubleott]

When I opened the coop this morning one of our new hens was on her back on the floor dead. She was perfectly fine last night as we do a head count and check them all before locking the coop for the night. Everyone else seems fine, and I don't see any visible injuries, although the ladder to the nesting box was busted off and lying near her. Could a simple fall have killed her? It's only about 2 feet off the ground.

 

[Pork Pie]

i'm no expert, but it could be what is known as "sudden death syndrome". As long as the rest of your flock remains fine, I would have thought its more likely than a falling off a 2ft roost.

All the best
CT

 

[enola]

Did you examine her to see what her body condition was like? Was her crop full?