Hen is panting, but it's not hot.

[Elizabeth Smith]

The hen just died suddenly a few minutes ago. The temperature has been between 25-30 celcius, and has been consistent. There hasnt been a recent change in temp here. The flock has lots of access to water and shade too. Everyone else seems healthy at this point.

No idea what killed her. I felt around afterwards to see if there might be a stuck egg but cant feel anything.

Thanks for the response to my question.

 

[Hecktee]

I'm a begginer 2 of my chickens died last year the first one turned purple on Easter and the other one was panting for ages and I live in th3 UK no bitematks

 

[CabritaChicks]

Most commonly what I see: An enlarged liver can cause breathing difficulty (panting) and even changes in vocal sounds, as the swollen organ presses against the surrounding air sacs. However, similar symptoms can also occur with an enlarged heart.

Possible causes include:

• Fatty liver syndrome (from high-energy diets, excess carbohydrates, or inactivity)
• Heart enlargement due to genetic predisposition, obesity, or poor circulation
• Toxin exposure (such as mycotoxins or certain medications)
• Infections that affect the liver or cardiovascular system
• Nutritional imbalances, particularly deficiencies in choline, methionine, or certain vitamins (like E or B-complex)

In both cases, the increased internal pressure reduces lung expansion and airflow through the air sacs — which explains the panting, labored breathing, and change in tone or clarity of vocalizations.

I'm sorry for your loss.

Edit: just realized this post got drummed up from 2021. Oops