Found my 5-year old hen dead on the roost

[Lori J]

I have a Dominique or barred rock mix ( was told barred rock but suspected she was more like a Dominique) Who was five years old. I just found her dead on the roost. No previous symptoms. She was my oldest hen, and sweet. no signs of injury. Do you think it’s possible she died of old age or do I have an illness in the flock to contend with? One time in a post about her, I called her “old” and lots of people came out of the woodworks just to tell me that 5 years was not old for a hen. So is that correct? Or could she have died of something old-age related? Or do you think it more likely a possible contagious illness?

 

[Jeanw]

Hi there, sorry about your hen Hard to know if there is an illness without an autopsy especially since there were no prior symptoms. Or are there any toxic items she could have gotten into? It could indeed be old age. Have you had her for her whole life or did she belong to someone else? Some hens can live a long time if well taken care of. But if owned by someone else we really don’t know how their quality of life was. Keep an eye on your other hens but If they are behaving normally I wouldn’t worry about it.

 

[neo71665]

5 years is pretty young for old age. Without sending her off to be tested it's gonna be hard for anything to be said if she had no symptoms.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I'm sorry about your hen. I would agree that probably something happened to her and unless you can have a necropsy, you might not get any answers.

 

[theoldchick]

I have two 11 year old hens who look quite spry. A sudden death of an older hen can be caused by many things. Fatty liver, cardiac issue, reproductive problems are few things that come to mind. A necropsy will give you an answer. Sorry for your loss.