Healthy ISA brown suddenly dies

[Coyoteowl]

I have a mixed flock of 6 ISA browns, 1 California tan, and older bardrock. Yesterday one of the isa browns started acting lethargic, her comb looked kinda blackish on the top edges and limp. When I let the flock out to their free range area, she would not leave. Eventually she wondered out but was not foraging like usual. She did not return to the roost in evening. I spotted her deep in the brush and decided to let her remain for the night, a primitive isolation. This morning she was stone cold dead, her entire comb was black. None of the other birds are acting off, no changes in food, water, or environment. Any ideas as to what killed her so fast

 

[Eggcessive]

If you behave her body, keep it cold and contact your state vet for a necropsy. How old was she? Here is a link for finding your state vet lab:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/poultry-labs.html

 

[nuthatched]

It could have been heart or organ failure.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

It could have been heart or organ failure.

Yes but why? Toxin? Snakebite? Don't freeze the body, refrigerate it. If you do get a necropsy, please report the results back in this thread. Thank you, and I am sorry for your loss.

 

[nuthatched]

Yes but why? Toxin? Snakebite? Don't freeze the body, refrigerate it. If you do get a necropsy, please report the results back in this thread. Thank you, and I am sorry for your loss.

Isa browns are prone to all sorts of lovely health problems.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

How old? ISA Browns are only bred to crank eggs which shortens their lifespan. I believe 2-3 years is the average lifespan.

 

[Pampered chicken girl]

Sounds like heart failure

 

[Coyoteowl]

How old? ISA Browns are only bred to crank eggs which shortens their lifespan. I believe 2-3 years is the average lifespan.

She was 2, also a brood sister to the other 5 brownies

 

[Coyoteowl]

I

Isa browns are prone to all sorts of lovely health problems.

Did not know that. After watching these ladies mob predators and forage like crazy (free ranged) I have fallen in love with the breed.

 

[Kiki]

This kills quickly.
There is no way to know for sure what killed her without a necropsy but you could learn something and have a better idea if you open her up.

https://www.msdvetmanual.com/poultr...tty-liver-hemorrhagic-syndrome-in-laying-hens