Do all chickens have seizures when they die?

Being a nurse, I can just say that it is normal when a person or animals dies, that they have muscle spasms that look very much like a convulsion. It is just a biological reaction to the lack of O2 getting to muscle at the end. Hope this helps. So sorry.

 

Yes, they usually do, but I've had a couple who just closed their eyes and drifted away. It's heart-wrenching to see those last spasms, I know.

 

She was gone when the convulsions started. Same as if the head had been removed when processing.

Though this is the norm I have had a couple die without the spasms. A wyandotte died of heat stoke. She was running and just fell forward. Not a single spasm. Another died on the nest from heat as well. She had her head on the side of the crate like she was sleeping, but was gone. I didn't witness her die, but she was in a 'calm' position.

Matt

 

If something dies and there is still ATP in the tissue, it will spasm. ATP is what allows the muscle motors to work. Humans at least, have about 30 seconds or so of ATP and the precursors in our muscles held in reserve. When energy is gone, movement will also be depleted.

 

Every animal I've ever shot also has had convulsions, not just chickens. I think it's just a myth that we believe that things just fall over dead like they do on tv. Real life death usually isn't that peaceful.

 

Chicken deaths never seem to be pretty but I believe it is an indication 'that they are already dead' if that's any comfort. They die and then it's just reflex.