Entire flock dead overnight....locked in coop, no sign of predators

[Redhead Rae]

I think residual fumes or smoldering embers could be the culprit.

 

[Cyprus]

Yeah, now I'm thinking it wasn't the bulb.
I wonder if there is research on how long the toxic fumes from burned PVC can stay in an environment?

Also, are we CERTAIN that it wasn't a predator? Does the OP have minks or weasels in the area?

 

[MissChick@dee]

Does it say PTFE anywhere on the box?

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Yeah, now I'm thinking it wasn't the bulb.
I wonder if there is research on how long the toxic fumes from burned PVC can stay in an environment?

I think if PVC was the culprit it would be more a matter of water in the lungs. The rooster may have gotten a higher dose, or was more susceptible. That article I posted says that 2 parts per million of phosgene is IDLH (Immediately dangerous to life or health) - that's to a human. No telling what it is for a chicken.

 

[Redhead Rae]

I think if PVC was the culprit it would be more a matter of water in the lungs. The rooster may have gotten a higher dose, or was more susceptible. That article I posted says that 2 parts per million of phosgene is IDLH (Immediately dangerous to life or health) - that's to a human. No telling what it is for a chicken.

Chickens are MUCH more susceptible to any airborne toxins than humans.

 

[Megswdw]

Does it say PTFE anywhere on the box?

I don't see PTFE anywhere. There's no note about what is used on it.

 

[Megswdw]

Yeah, now I'm thinking it wasn't the bulb.
I wonder if there is research on how long the toxic fumes from burned PVC can stay in an environment?

Also, are we CERTAIN that it wasn't a predator? Does the OP have minks or weasels in the area?

I guess we can never be certain. But, the death of rooster and the rest of the flock were on separate nights and both nights, they were locked in the coop. We have the Large OverEZ coop, so it's pretty secure. I did have someone tell me that skunks could come in and drink the blood and leave the chicken appearing unharmed. The way they were laying leads me to believe there was no predator.

 

[Megswdw]

Doesn't sound like teflon coated. Were both bulbs the same? Or did you use the same bulb in a different fixture?

I purchased the first one 6 months ago...when we first got chicks. So, they have been using it for a while. We hadn't ever put it in the coop until the temps were close to 0 this week though. I can't remember if they were the same and already tossed the old one. They looked the same though.

 

[Megswdw]

If what I pulled up is the correct bulb, they are marketing it for animal use.

The packaging recommends it for poultry brooding.

 

[Megswdw]

I guess my biggest concern is how soon we can get chickens in there again. We will clean it out and air it out. We were just getting in to the swing of things. The kids showed the chickens at the fair and then we started getting eggs. We were all enjoying them so much! I am sick to my stomach about it, and the kids are still sobbing as they go to bed tonight.