Help, 3 week old chick suddenly died

[Shyla-C]

Does anyone know what would cause a 3 week old chick to start flopping around on her back and suddenly die? I just lost my favorite Gold Laced Cochin chick. She was fine this morning, eating and drinking and came up to me for her morning treat of dried meal worms. About 20 minutes ago there was a big commotion in the brooder and I ran over to find her flopping around on her back and by the time I got the lid up and grabbed her she was gone. All of the other chicks were freaking out and trying to get as far away as possible. Any ideas about what may have happened?

 

[yo burrill]

Wow dont know.... did she choke on something??? They dont usually just drop dead with no other signs...

 

[Shyla-C]

Wow dont know.... did she choke on something??? They dont usually just drop dead with no other signs...

I think she did choke. When I picked her up she had a few shavings in her mouth. At the time I thought it was from her struggling on her back, but the more I think about it, the more convinced I am that is what happened. I am switching back to the larger shavings tomorrow.