I found a dead chicken at the top of the coop stairs. Help!

[Peggysaurus]

Hey, everyone. Yesterday, I found one of my Sapphire Gem pullets dead (almost 3-months old) on the chicken coop stairs that lead into the main house . Her body was in the main house, but her head was hanging over the stairs. The day before she seemed perfectly healthy (as did the other birds). I thought at first she maybe tripped and broke her neck, but her feet weren't caught on anything and it looked like she just layed down at a weird angle. There was no blood anywhere in the coop. I far as I know, she was eating before she died, just like the other chicks were. When I found her, she was cold and stiff (probably dead for a while). My dad checked all the chickens in the morning, so she must've died shortly after (none of us were at home when it happened). Has this happened to anyone, before? Are the other chickens going to be affected? Do I need to start giving them vaccines? This is my first chicken that has died and I'm completely clueless on the cause . Thanks, BYC!

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

I am very sorry for the loss of your baby. I am not an expert on sudden deads so I apologise for not being able to help, but I'm sure lots of questions will be coming your way lol. I know lots of people suggest sending the body off for a necropsy. Again I'm very sorry.

 

[slordaz]

I am so sorry for your loss.
If you can double bag the pullet and send or take it to the state vet for a necropsy, it will tell you exactly what killed her.

sometimes a weasel will kill just for sport, It's hard to tell, or they could have gotten botulism, a worm overload, one of the coccidosis varieties, all we can do at this point is guess,

 

[aart]

I far as I know, she was eating before she died, just like the other chicks were. ...Has this happened to anyone, before?

She may have choked on her food.
Had a sudden death like that this summer, during the morning scratch feed.
Not sure if she choked or there was a scuffle and she ran into the run wall.
It was a bummer, one of my best birds.

Are the other chickens going to be affected? Do I need to start giving them vaccines?

Vaccine or meds not recommended unless you know the disease you are(might be) dealing with by having a necropsy done.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss. I would also try to get a necropsy on your young pullet. Keep the body cool, not frozen, and contact your state vet. It can be inexpensive for a backyard chicken necropsy, especially if you drive the body to the lab. Here is a list of state vets including VA:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

At this age coccidiosis could be a problem, but there are so many other possibilities. Most people do not vaccinate birds for diseases, although I will get mine vaccinated for Mareks if it is offered as a day old chick.

 

[Peggysaurus]

Is it okay if the chicken has a lot of dirt on it if I take it to get a necropsy? We buried it shortly after we found it dead (almost a day ago) .

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

Is it okay if the chicken has a lot of dirt on it if I take it to get a necropsy? We buried it shortly after we found it dead (almost a day ago) .

Never sent one, not to sure. @aart ?

 

[Eggcessive]

If it has been cold in the ground, then you might be able to wash it in soapy water. But you would need to contact the state vet first and ask to be sure. You certainly could attempt doing one yourself at home, but take pictures of organs if you can. Here is a video which shows the organs labeled to make it easier:

 

[aart]

Never sent one, not to sure. @aart ?

If it has been cold in the ground, then you might be able to wash it in soapy water. But you would need to contact the state vet first and ask to be sure.

What they said^^

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Rather than take it to a vet, it will be cheaper and more expeditious to send it to your state poultry diagnostic lab.
VDACS Harrisonburg Regional Animal Health Laboratory
261 Mt. Clinton Pike
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802-2551
Phone: 540-209-9130

It needs to remain refrigerated. Call the lab and they may send you a FedEx label for shipping.