dying chickens

[melsnow]

About 2 months ago i receved some free chickens, supposedly 2 yrs old. 3 weeks ago 1 just died in her sleep I think. The past 2 days I've lost 2 chickens in their sleep. Very weird. I'm pretty sure it's the chickens I just received. It's like they're going to die one by one and affect my chickens I originally had. Anyone know what they are dying from?? Help!

 

[s6bee]

What is the behavior like up to the deaths? Are they thin, have any marks on them?

 

[s6bee]

Also, do you know what breeds?

 

[melsnow]

They act just fine and then are usually deceased by early afternoon, maybe. the deceased ones are One rhode Island and 2 barred rocks so far.

 

[MissPrissy]

It is too late to tell you to keep the new chickens away from your flock. This is why it is recommended to keep new chickens away from your current flock for 4 - 6 weeks so you can watch for illness and disease.

You can call your county extention office and ask about where to have a necropsy done to determine the cause of death.

I am sorry for your loss. I hope you don't have any more.

 

[sammi]

please describe the droppings..color and consistency
any pink, red, or pasty tan?
any other color?

check eyes..any swelling or wetness
any swelling of head or wattles
any breath sounds (wheezing/rattling/gurgling)

they might have picked up cocci or respiratory illness from your chickens.
there are different strains of cocci, and flocks have their own strains which they have built a resistance to., and when newcomers are brought in..exposure to a different strain can result.

(your chickens can also pick up different strains from newcomers)

do you have access to cocci meds or antibiotics?

also, check for peck marks and injuries...they might be fighting and causing the newbies to jump from roosts and injure themselves.