one of my 8mo old hens was just laying dead in the coop this morning. I have 21 total. 5 bantam and 16 standard.
I have no idea why she died. not predator related as the coop is secure and they don't free range.
It was one of the standard breeds. she had 5 toes and looked like an australorp/faverolla mix. fully feathered, not being picked on. biggest bird in the flock. hadn't started laying yet. she looked fine yesterday and didnt' show any signs of being ill. It was very cold the last couple of nights but all the other birds look well.
Any ideas on what could have went wrong?
Still think it's ok to eat the eggs from the other hens?
I have no idea why she died. not predator related as the coop is secure and they don't free range.
It was one of the standard breeds. she had 5 toes and looked like an australorp/faverolla mix. fully feathered, not being picked on. biggest bird in the flock. hadn't started laying yet. she looked fine yesterday and didnt' show any signs of being ill. It was very cold the last couple of nights but all the other birds look well.
Any ideas on what could have went wrong?
Still think it's ok to eat the eggs from the other hens?