Dead Rooster

[mandyp]

Quote:
He was absolutely the biggest rooster I have ever seen. Not fat either. The man who sold him to me told me he weighed 40 pounds.

I knew better, of course, but he definately was a big ol' boy. And gentle with people too. That scatterbrain EE Roo that I'm left with would happily peck my eyes out if I gave him a chance.

 

[MareeZoCool]

I am so very sorry you have lost your roo.

 

[joletabey]

I am SO sorry you lost your good roo- got any eggs to hatch out a replacement?

 

[Wrkrbee]

I am also sorry for your loss. I just lost my roo Pete this morning, found him dead in the coop, laying face down like he was sleeping. He had been acting withdrawn and depressed for about 3 days, and the hens were pecking at his comb, so I had him separated. He showed no outward signs of illness or injury. His comb and wattles were red and plump, his feathers smooth and shiny, his eyes and nostrils clear, no sounds of difficulty breathing. He was only 10 months old. I am heartbroken. And now I am really worried about my 7 girls. They all look really healthy, but I am afraid that they might suddenly become ill like Pete did. I have called around, and there are no vets in northern VT that deal with chickens. I am cleaning and disinfecting the coop today. What else should I do? And what is the best way to dispose of my dead roo? The ground is still frozen here.

 

[Mrs. K]

@ Wrker bee - I would not worry about it. It sounds like a birth defect to me that was inside and not visible. Healthy looks healthy, and it sounds like your birds are that. Don't disinfect, that can leave some powerful fumes in the air, change out the bedding if you want, but I would be quite surprised if you lost any others.

Many chickens are not long lived. He should have lived longer than 10 months, which is what makes me think that it was a defect.

Mrs K