Deceased hen

[Smpino72]

We woke up to our beautiful ‘Goldie’ passed away this morning. She was 10 months old. It was shocking to say the least. We had just changed the coop and run bedding Sunday. Had fresh water every couple days. I gave health multiplier with their food. No mites or lice. I was a pretty clean chicken mom- picked up most poop daily. I now have 3 left. They all laid eggs yesterday. There was no blood or animal attacks. Run looks pretty secure.

 

[GodLovesU]

You took good care of her. Sometimes something just goes wrong.

 

[KtheChickenGal]

We woke up to our beautiful ‘Goldie’ passed away this morning. She was 10 months old. It was shocking to say the least. We had just changed the coop and run bedding Sunday. Had fresh water every couple days. I gave health multiplier with their food. No mites or lice. I was a pretty clean chicken mom- picked up most poop daily. I now have 3 left. They all laid eggs yesterday. There was no blood or animal attacks. Run looks pretty secure.

Aw, I'm sorry.

 

[townchicks]

So sorry, it's hard when it comes out of the blue like that. A necropsy is a good idea.

 

[AinaWGSD]

I'm sorry for your loss. It's never easy to lose one, but I think it's even harder when it comes out of the blue like that. My first thought with sudden death in a seemingly perfectly healthy animal is always heart disease. Which is nothing you could have caused or prevented.

A necropsy is a good idea if you still have the body and access to a vet or the fortitude to do an amateur one yourself. It may give you some answers and put your mind at ease regarding your remaining chooks. If not, that's ok too.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss. It is very hard the first time, and in such a young chicken. I would contact your state vet for a necropsy, or if you cannot get one today or by tomorrow am, do a home necropsy. I learned a great deal by doing those, opening the abdominal cavity and comparing the organs to a video of a healthy chicken. Keep the body cold (refrigerated) but do not freeze it. Here is a list of state vets to contact:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/poultry...L5h4Xt137GBu32pWJZSRUY5DYhQyVrd4ODmF-Ab8otocc

Here is a good video that identifies the organs, andif you do a necropsy at home, take pictures of the major organs to post here for any help.

 

[WoDia]

@Smpino72 I’m sorry for your loss. I hope your remaining girls will bring you solace.

 

[Bawkbok]

I'm sorry this happened to you and your flock. It is such a shock to find one deceased with no signs of illness or injury. I empathize. I discovered one dead in the nest box one morning. I was dumbfounded and heart broken. Give your remaining three a couple of weeks to readjust with extra love and attention. They grieve too.