Dead rooster

[Chickenkeeper2024]

Found a rooster dead in the coop today. No signs of foul play he was found laying on their poop shelf. When I let them all out of the chicken run they all ran to our goats water. I checked their waterer and it doesn’t seem like they have been drinking. It’s not nearly as empty as it should be. The rooster that died had a little hen that would follow him around and she does not seem to be doing well either. I have another buff orp rooster and he acts off as well. Any insights on what I should do?

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss. Watch the flock behavior to see if the rooster or other hens are keeping anyone from eating or drinking. Do they have enough room and at least 2 water/food stations to give everyone a chance to eat and drink? I would bring the little hen aside and feed her some wet chicken feed and fluids, along with some egg. Look her over for any lice or mites. What do you feed them? Are you adding anything to their water, and is it staying thawed? You could send or take your rooster off to the state vet on Monday am for a necropsy to get a diagnosis, but call them early Monday, and keep his body chilled, not frozen.

 

[Eggcessive]

What state are you in? Here is a list of state vets who can do a necropsy, and the body should be kept cold, but not frozen. Call early Monday since the holiday week may affect it:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/poultry...BzutBaxDW7n0XgGRPg9jhCT--nGWzfpoumNLEtrKyzyRV

 

[CCsGarden]

Did some add poison to the water? That can cause them not to drink it. @MamaPoult had someone do that to her chickens and the rooster did not let the flock drink the water.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Yes, empty the water bucket and scrub it good. Smell it too. See if when you put water in it, it forms an oil slick on top. If so you may need a new bucket.

 

[Chickenkeeper2024]

Sorry for your loss. Watch the flock behavior to see if the rooster or other hens are keeping anyone from eating or drinking. Do they have enough room and at least 2 water/food stations to give everyone a chance to eat and drink? I would bring the little hen aside and feed her some wet chicken feed and fluids, along with some egg. Look her over for any lice or mites. What do you feed them? Are you adding anything to their water, and is it staying thawed? You could send or take your rooster off to the state vet on Monday am for a necropsy to get a diagnosis, but call them early Monday, and keep his body chilled, not frozen.

I know my other 2 roos didn’t really get along with the one that just passed but it wasn’t really bad enough for them to keep him from eating and drinking that I noticed. There is only one bucket for each but I will end up adding more this weekend. We feed meal and pellets from a local feed place. Nothing has been added to water and water has stayed thaw. I think I am going to have that done. Any idea on what it would cost? Thank you for your help!

 

[Chickenkeeper2024]

Did some add poison to the water? That can cause them not to drink it. @MamaPoult had someone do that to her chickens and the rooster did not let the flock drink the water.

Our entire yard is fenced off I would hope no one would do that. That is so terrible Amazing rooster she has though

 

[Eggcessive]

Every state will cost different. Some states, such as CA have low cost necropsies because they are associated with a university vet program. FL, NC, and others may be less if you tell them it is for a backyard chicken. There have been recent cases of bird flu reported in FL, so if that is going around near you, the state vet may be eager to test. Keep the body cold, but not frozen.

 

[Chickenkeeper2024]

Every state will cost different. Some states, such as CA have low cost necropsies because they are associated with a university vet program. FL, NC, and others may be less if you tell them it is for a backyard chicken. There have been recent cases of bird flu reported in FL, so if that is going around near you, the state vet may be eager to test. Keep the body cold, but not frozen.

Sorry for your loss. Watch the flock behavior to see if the rooster or other hens are keeping anyone from eating or drinking. Do they have enough room and at least 2 water/food stations to give everyone a chance to eat and drink? I would bring the little hen aside and feed her some wet chicken feed and fluids, along with some egg. Look her over for any lice or mites. What do you feed them? Are you adding anything to their water, and is it staying thawed? You could send or take your rooster off to the state vet on Monday am for a necropsy to get a diagnosis, but call them early Monday, and keep his body chilled, not frozen.

I have an update on the little hen. Went outside this morning she was on the coop floor just laying there. Brought her inside offered electrolytes and eggs and no interest. She doesn’t want to walk. She can’t hold her head up. She will puff up lift her head up kind of act like she’s gasping then her head falls back down. Any ideas? I tried to post a video but it won’t let me.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would give her the electrolyte water with a dropper or syringe into the side of her beak, a little at a time. You can upload a video to YouTube or a similar site with a link posted here. What state are you in?