How long after death till flock is in the clear?

[FamFitz]

Backstory: I have a flock of 7 hens, though I use to have 10. Two were taken by a coyote. The 3rd one we lost we aren't 100% sure as to why. She was found dead in the middle of their run the other day. They usually free range, but after the coyote struck a week prior, we decided to put them on lock down. The hen (a SLW) had no outward signs of trauma and had been acting normal when we saw her that morning. It has been hot where I'm at, but they have loads of shade, a mister during the hottest part of the day, fresh water & food. When the coyote struck (taking two) we suspected that he had tried to go for the SLW as well, but only got feathers. We found a bunch of feathers that we believe to be from the SLW and when we saw the coyote he was very close to our house (which is unusual). Later the SLW came out from hiding under our house (near where the coyote was seen) so we suspect he grabbed a mouth full of feathers and then chased after her. At that time we didn't see any signs of injury so we figured she lucked out. But then a week later, dead. We are assuming her death has something to do with that (maybe an internal injury we couldn't detect) or maybe the coyote came back and when she saw him she got scared again and heart attack or something. We really don't know.

All that being said, a part of me wonders if she was sick with something that could take down the rest of my flock. If that is the case, how long until I know if the rest of my flock is in the clear?

 

[Mutt Farm]

Oh gosh. That's awful. Good news is you have 7 left. Coyotes decimated my neighbors flocks. The part of you that wonders should keep a very close eye for any changes in appetite, behavior, or appearance as you already know, for 30 days if you've introduced new chickens, or couple weeks if your flock hasn't changed. Wish you the best.

 

[FamFitz]

I have been keeping an eye. Everyone seems fine, but so did she the day before

No new chickens added yet. We have plans to get chicks next week, but we made those before the one died. The chicks will be in a different area for several weeks and then in "look by don't touch" run next to my main one for a couple more weeks after that. Just wondering if I need to delay the chicks arriving to make sure my main flock is in the clear...

 

[Mutt Farm]

You don't necessarily need to delay new chicks, but you are taking a small risk. you're probably worrying over nothing, but what if? Different area for 30 days is good, so long as you suit up, glove up and wash between. No smooching or handling. Care for new chicks first, and don't revisit. Best is if you tag team, you solely care for one set, someone else cares for the others. An abundance of caution is good, but don't let it run you crazy. Good luck!