dead hen

[freeprkr]

Yesterday I found a dead hen in my run. I have just under fory hens with two roosters and they all seemed healthy until yesterday.

Some of the hens are losing feathers, I figured they were just molting, but I thought this would happen during the winter. Could this be a warning sign?

I am getting almost 3 dozen eggs per day, which has been a steady increase as the days are getting longer in Northern MN.

I recently started giving them a loaf or two of stale bread from the bread store. They love it and it is only $.10 per loaf, but could this cause problems.

I didn't notice any signs of an attack on the dead hen.

Does it happen that once in a while that a chicken just dies?

Thanks in advance.

 

[dlhunicorn]

what are you feeding them (as normal daily feed)
When did you last worm them?
Do you offer free choice oystershell?
Did you supplement (poultry vit supplement) during the winter?
Adding a good supplement now might be a good idea and yes a hen can just die but if this happens again then send it off for a necropsy.
About the bread...my rule is that if it isnt suitable for me to eat then it is also not suitable for my birds.

 

[NYREDS]

We've all got to go sometime-even chickens. Yes, sometimes they just die w/o appearing il first. Usually it's a heart attack.

 

[jeaucamom]

I believe if the bread is moldy it could certainly be a problem. Also, if they are losing feathers, check for lice/mites.