dead mouse in feed

[chwychuro]

So I just found a dead mouse at the bottom of my feed. a couple of days ago, I had a chicken that died after not eating and not drinking, didn't seem egg bound. Am I crazy to think these two things might be related? I'm tossing out the rest of the feed and bringing it up to the feed store I bought it from but.... I'm not seeing any signs from the rest of the poultry who have been eating from the same feed. Has anyone encountered this? Also, the size of the mouse is probably about the size of a field mouse, about an inch and a half to two. I haven't been raising chickens too long, just a little over a year now. But this is my first chicken death and I have no idea what killed her. I though botulism, and now I'm reading more and more and honestly it could be anything. Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[lazy gardener]

How were you storing your feed? Is it possible the mouse got in there after you opened the bag? (Which is the most likely scenario). I think it's super important to keep all feed in a container that is rodent proof, for this very reason, as well as to prevent attracting them to your yard in the first place. Rodents carry a lot of disease that can infect poultry, as well as humans.

 

[chwychuro]

my feed is in a large tote about 3' x 2' in my garage about 3" off the ground on a pallet. I always put the cover on it as well. The cover has those handles that will snap it down. Don't if that helps... I also have mice traps through the garage and haven't caught one since I moved into the house about 2 years ago. Either way, I did throw it all out and am keeping an eye on the rest of the flock. Thanks for letting me know about the mice, I knew they carry diseases, but just nice to know being reassured I guess.

 

[3riverschick]

could have it been botulism infecting the feed from the dead mouse?

 

[chwychuro]

not too sure. I'm still on botulism, but the rest of the flock has seemed fine so far. and i separated her from the rest for almost 3 days before she ended up dying. I thought botulism was usually fast acting? oh I almost forgot to mention, that she was bleeding slowly out her vent. I checked if she was egg bound but didn't feel anything at all. I gave her a warm epson salt soak too.

 

[chickens really]

I believe your Hen died from an egg laying related issue......Was the mouse rotting or dry...?

Chickens eat mice if they are so lucky to catch it.....Is the droppings that are what contaminates the feed.....get a Rubbermaid garbage can to store your feed......


Cheers!

 

[chwychuro]

I believe your Hen died from an egg laying related issue......Was the mouse rotting or dry...?

Chickens eat mice if they are so lucky to catch it.....Is the droppings that are what contaminates the feed.....get a Rubbermaid garbage can to store your feed......


Cheers!

Thank you! The mouse was dried and dead. I didn't see feces but just figured to be safe than sorry .... Yes I think I'll do that, sounds so much easier. Thank you for all the help!

 

[chickens really]

I believe your Hen died from an egg laying related issue......Was the mouse rotting or dry...?

Chickens eat mice if they are so lucky to catch it.....Is the droppings that are what contaminates the feed.....get a Rubbermaid garbage can to store your feed......


Cheers!

Thank you! The mouse was dried and dead. I didn't see feces but just figured to be safe than sorry .... Yes I think I'll do that, sounds so much easier. Thank you for all the help!

No problem......Mice are disgusting .......


Cheers!