Help, my wyandotte just died

[Hedwig Chicken]

My hen Mistletoe (8 months old) just died this morning.

She was perfectly fine yesterday. Her egg laying was perfectly normal.

This morning she was eating and drinking.

But around 9:30 am, she started just laying down on the ground panting.

She died around 9:55 am.

She didn't seem to have any injuries. Her comb, wattles, eyes, feathers and shanks looked vital.

Pictures of this morning:

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Is it possible she ate something poisonous?

Do you know if you have a place that can do a necropsy to find cause if you refrigerate her? I know we do here in the states, but unfamiliar with your area.

So sorry for your loss.

 

[Hedwig Chicken]

Is it possible she ate something poisonous?

Do you know if you have a place that can do a necropsy to find cause if you refrigerate her? I know we do here in the states, but unfamiliar with your area.

So sorry for your loss.

No, I don't think we have any necropsy experts near...

What would be considered poisonous?

I have a total of 18 chickens (19 with Mistletoe)

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Something like a rotting carcass or moldy feed would probably be considered poisonous. Bleach or household chemicals, pesticides, herbicide, automotive fluid spill, rat bait, paint.... Anything they can get botulism from.

Let me see if I can rally some troops for you... @casportpony @Eggcessive @ChickenCanoe @Pyxis @Wyorp Rock, Hoping y'all might be able to put together some thoughts here or know someone who can? TIA

ETA: there are a lot of threads on here how to do your own necropsy with people who help look at pics if that is something you think you are able to do. Very sorry, again.

 

[casportpony]

So sorry for your loss. . As was suggested, you could try to do your own necropsy.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet Mistletoe. Bear hugs!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry for your loss, Mistletoe was a lovely girl

Without a necropsy it would be hard to know the cause of death. If you have a veterinary college nearby, you could check to see if they perform necropsy or check with your local agriculture ministry.

As suggested, if you are up to it, performing your own informal investigation may give a clue as well. Look in the abdomen, at the internal organs (heart/liver/spleen) and the reproductive system. I understand this type of thing is not for everyone and it can be hard to do especially when you are attached to them. If you do take a look, post some photos and we will try to help you with what you see.

 

[Hedwig Chicken]

@EggSighted4Life, @casportpony, @Chick-N-Fun @Wyorp Rock

Thank you all for your support,

As much as I would love to know the exact cause of Mistletoe's death...

I had already buried her before posting.

(I would never have the courage to perform necropsy on anything dead or alive)

R.I.P Mistletoe ♥

 

[EggSighted4Life]

She was a beautiful girl! And well loved I can tell.

Thank you for sharing this difficult time with us. Sorry we couldn't be more help, but glad you are able to feel the support of other poultry lovers at least.

 

[BantammChick]

So sorry for your loss...I know how sad it is when you lose an animal.