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Found 2 Hens Dead

Discussion in 'Emergencies / Diseases / Injuries and Cures' started by fradytrc, Feb 9, 2017.

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  1. Feb 9, 2017 #1
    fradytrc

    fradytrc In the Brooder

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    Jul 18, 2011
    Central NC
    3-4 weeks back one of my hens developed a whitish comb and was very lethargic so I brought her in the house and gave her electrolytes for 3 days and she got back to normal. Then 2 weeks ago in the morning when I was opening the coop I found one of my seemingly healthy hens on the ground dead under the roost. Last night I went to close up and the sick hen from a few weeks ago was laying on the ground under the roost with barely any life. I brought her in, tried to give her electrolytes and this morning she is dead. Now someone please tell me what's going on. Thank you for any help!!!
     

  4. Feb 9, 2017 #2
    Eggcessive

    Eggcessive Free Ranging Premium Member

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    9,504
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    Apr 3, 2011
    southern Ohio
    It could be a lot of things, could be related, or the deaths may be coincidental. If you saved the bodies, refrigerate them, and contact your state vet or poultry lab to conduct a necropsy to look for a cause of death. Some of the things that I would look for in a sick or dying chicken would be to look at their bodies for any evidence of mites and lice. Look at the crops to see if they are full and hard or balloon-like. Look at the vent and insert a finger into the vent to check for a stuck egg. Feel of the breast bone for any weight loss, and then the lower belly for swelling or masses. Look at the eyes for drainage or swelling, and for any nasal drainage, and recall if there was any sneezing or rattly breathing. Sorry for your loss. Here is some information about contacting a state vet or poultry lab and how to send a bird:
    http://www.usaha.org/Portals/6/StateAnimalHealthOfficials.pdf
    http://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm
    https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/799747/how-to-send-a-bird-for-a-necropsy-pictures
     
    Last edited: Feb 9, 2017

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