Hens hemmoraghing ( Sorry about the spelling)

[Dee5]

I have had hens for a long time, yet I have never run into this problem as often. Years ago I had a hen that I found dead in the nest with her back end very open and blood all over that area. In the past 3-4 months I have had 6 hens found like this. Hemmoraghed and dead in the nest. 4 were mixed breed poulets and 2 were 2 yrs old comets. Have never seen so many cases of this, anyone have any info to share. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Are you sure it isn't a predator? Like a weasel or raccoon?
If you think it might be a predator, you can ask the mods to move this to the predators and pests section so you get an answer from those with experience with predator losses.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

[ranchhand]

Hi Dee5, welcome to BYC though I wish the circumstances were better.

My experience with chickens tells me you have a predator reaching through a wall or fence somehow. It sounds really typical of a raccoon, they like to disembowel their victims. Sorry that's so graphic, but that's the way they are.

 

[Dee5]

Thanks for the replys everyone. My hens are in a coop that is line with wire under the floor, walls, ceiling, everywhere, and due to the cold temps here lately I have had them locked up. Only let them out in yard today. When I went back down to the pen a few minutes ago I see I now have 2 more hens, bleeding from their vents and they do not look right back there. I am wondering if maybe eggbound....

but have no idea why so many of them. Have a feeling I will loose them by morning.

By the way I live in Nova Scotia.Lots of snow up here!!

 

[ranchhand]

Dee5, I can't say what it is, but I can say that the odds of it being an egg bound epidemic are mighty slim.

That being the case, I'd be examing poop. Up close and personal. At their age, I would suspect worms, a heavy infestation, first.


ETA, I'm still wracking my brain. Are they pecking heavily at each other while on the roost at night? That can cause some heavy damage too.

 

[Highlander]

Could it be rats? I've heard they like to chew the back ends and it makes more sense than them all going eggbound at once. Also how big is your coop and how many hens do you have in there? There is a possibility they may be cannibalising each other due to lack of space/boredom.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

What is the size of the largest hole in the walls, floors, and ceilings?

How many inches wide is the hole?

I have read on BYC that a weasel can get through a hole 1 inch across, and even less than that.

 

[chickendude]

Quote:
I agree it might be rats. I have never experienced it but I have heard that they will do this. Definitely check for possible ways for rats to enter.

 

[tammye]

what is the breed of birds? I have read here that some breeds are more prone to vent prolaspe than others, could it be that? have there been eggs in the nest when they have died?just a thought. do they get layer feed/ oyster shells ect...

 

[ranit]

My first thought was vent prolapse also although I've never had several develop the problem at the same time.