Dead roo- what happened?

[Badhbh]

My big roo was in perfectly good health until last night. He's a big blue cochin, VERY sweet. Hubby went out to close up the barn last night, and he was dead in the middle of the barn floor. His legs were straight out from his body ( like standing on tippy toes and reaching for something), there was some fluid coming from his beak, and his face and comb were decidedly purple. He was still warm when we found him. My immediate thoughts were choking. Can a chicken choke to death on something?

This is him just the other day- he's fit and healthy. No signs of disease or illness. I'm pretty bummed- he was SUCH a good boy, and absolutely gorgeous. I was going to use him as the start of a hobby breeding program

I've got eggs hatching now, and hopefully some are his with the other blue cochins.

 

[SussexInSeattle]

I don't have a clue and don't know if they can choke but I just wanted to say that he was one good looking rooster! What a beautiful picture! I'm sorry you lost him.

 

[Badhbh]

Thanks. I thought he was pretty darned handsome myself.

 

[Cuban Longtails]

Yes, they can choke. The way you've described him, he appears to have choked and asphyxiated because of it. That's why his face turned blue/purple. Lack of oxygen. It's also possible that his heart gave out.

 

[dac63]

I also have had a similar situation with a blue cochin hen a couple days ago. I found her in the morning also on floor legs stretched out. But she must have past earlier as she was cold, but the comb was colored like you describe. I have been getting some very helpful advice and am hoping it isn't anything contagious as I only have six cochins left since this one died and they are just the most laid back nice chickens. Last year I lost my rooster he also was a healthy looking big rooster and i wondered also about the chocking thing. I did the list of things to check and then today noticed two of the blue cochins have a white area on their comb so i don't know what that would be from and am hoping to get some help on that . Good luck , he sure is a pretty rooster

 

[Sillystunt]

so sorry!!

 

[shay20]

I am sorry to hear that. He is a beauitul roo.

 

[barred-rocks-rock]

really sorry. i say gizzard malfuction. just kidding!

 

[cugo18]

hello there i have just found the same thing with one of my roos also and i never knew that they could choke also. now it all sound like its right.