Insight please

[Jazzimom]

I recently lost my Rooster, about 6-8 wks ago. This morning I went out to let them out and found a hen had died last night. No outside evidence. Worried.....any input will help.

 

[Wyandottes7]

Were there any disease symptoms, from either of them? A few birds lost each year is usually nothing to worry about-- chickens often die for what appears to be almost no reason. However, if you begin to lose more, there might be an underlying problem, or a disease.

 

[Country4ever]

Sorry for your loss.
I've had several very healthy hens die suddenly over the years. I found them on the floor of the coop in the morning. I think several of them may have broken their necks while jumping off the roost. Could this have happened to your chicken?

 

[cafarmgirl]

Need more info on the ones that died. Any weight loss, were they eating/drinking and acting normal or were they lethargic at all? Were the combs normal or pale? Any chance of mites/lice or internal parasites? Are they on a regular deworming program? Any symptoms of respiratory illness: coughing, sneezing, snotty noses?

 

[Jazzimom]

I hadn't noticed any weight loss. The rooster appeared some what (drunk) the morning he died. I dont use chemicals,however I have always put ACV in the water. i did add vet RX to ther water this week inplace of the ACV.

 

[cafarmgirl]

I don't know what killed your birds but I just wanted to add that ACV will not prevent or cure an infestation of worms and VetRx is basically useless. It works in a way similar to a human using a VIck's inhaler when they have a cold. It may help somewhat with breathing if a bird is congested but it certainly won't cure anything.

With multiple deaths in close succession I'd be wanting to find out the cause. A necropsy would be helpful. It could be many things but worms are always at the top of the list in birds that have not been on a good preventative maintenance routine. I understand some people don't like to use any form of chemical but there are very good and very safe products available that when used appropriately can help prevent dead birds.