Healthy Hen suddenly died. Bruises on back.

[Alydup]

I found my 1 year old Easter egger suddenly had died yesterday. She had a saddle on because she was missing feathers from a rooster I recently rehomed. Upon inspection she had bruising on her back and a few peck marks by her eyes. Could a predator have gotten in to an extremely small opening? I have no idea what could have happened. Is it possible my other 2 hens did it trying to establish a new pecking order? She was the bottom of the pecking order but they all got along very well and she was always included in with the others with no bullying in the past. My coop and run are quite secure so I am perplexed.

 

[noregerts]

If the only damage to the chicken was what you described then it probably wasn't a predator. The peck marks on her face were probably from your other hens trying to figure out what was going on with her after she had died. I hate to say it but sometimes chickens just die and you may never know why. It's possible that she was just weak and that's part of why she was at the bottom of the pecking order anyway. I'm sorry for your loss. It's always sad when a pet dies.

 

[Alydup]

If the only damage to the chicken was what you described then it probably wasn't a predator. The peck marks on her face were probably from your other hens trying to figure out what was going on with her after she had died. I hate to say it but sometimes chickens just die and you may never know why. It's possible that she was just weak and that's part of why she was at the bottom of the pecking order anyway. I'm sorry for your loss. It's always sad when a pet dies.

Thanks. I am hoping that is the case. I was just confused and worried by the bruising.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet hen! Bear hugs!

 

[danceswithronin]

How much bigger than her was the rooster trying to mount her?

 

[hispoptart]

So sorry for your loss.

 

[Alydup]

How much bigger than her was the rooster trying to mount her?

He was bigger but he was given away last week and she had no bruising previously because I was just checking to see how her feathers were coming in.