Is my chicken dead?

[farmland5]

She was walking around just two hours ago. I had her in a chicken tractor. I did chain up our dog just outside the tractor. Could he have literally scared her to death? She is soft but unresponsive.


I noticed her comb was a little pale yesterday.


Today was not very hot. She had water and shade. I have no idea of why she or is dying.

 

[Evadig]

She looks like she is dead...it could have been because of the heat. But hopefully someone else will be able to tell you for sure. Maybe put her in a box and keep an eye on her just to be on the safe side?

 

[farmland5]

How hot is too hot for a hen? She was in a well ventilated coop, heavy shade, water available.

All I can think is the dog scared her or kept her from drinking because she was scared. But he was only out there from 6-8pm and he wasn’t barking at them.

I don’t think it was the heat. She was literally walking around just two hours ago around 6pm. It’s not that hot.

Her comb was pale today? What does that indicate? We are new to chicken tending and I’m worried we are doing something wrong?

What health precautions should I be taking to prevent bacterial infections or parasites?

 

[Evadig]

Well, I don't know a whole lot, but I have read a pale comb can indicate heat stress (it could also mean other things, but I would have to research what, exactly). What's your high temps? When it's over 90F I put electrolytes in my hens' water (you can get them at Tractor Supply).

What health precautions should I be taking to prevent bacterial infections or parasites?

Mostly keep their water and feed dishes clean. Some say to deworm on a regular schedule (once a year I think), others say only to deworm when necessary (you see worms in their stool).

 

[SmiYa0126]

If you put your ear to the top of her back do you hear heartbeat or breathing sounds? Are her feet hot? Can you take pictures of your set up and post

 

[MysteryChicken]

Paleness is usually an indicator of Anemia. Mites, & cancer may cause Anemia in poultry.

Heat stress can sometimes cause a chicken to go pale, which is never a good sign.

 

[MysteryChicken]

If you put your ear to the top of her back do you hear heartbeat or breathing sounds? Are her feet hot? Can you take pictures of your set up and post

Heart beat should be heard best at the front of the chest, kinda under the left wing.

 

[tlcmurphy]

I’m very sorry you lost your girl

 

[featherhead007]

It’s sad to lose a loved hen or rooster. But it happens more often than we think. Sorry for your loss

 

[ChicNmom]

@farmland5

I'm sorry you lost your girl. How old was she?
Feel her chest. Can you feel her keel bone sticking out? How does her crop feel? Check her vent for any weird poop and look through her feathers around the base of her tail to see if there are any mites or if her skin looks red and irritated.

This can help you determine what might have been wrong or rule out some things.

Chickens hide their illnesses. A very sick chicken can often seem fine and then drop dead.

How do the rest of your chickens look? Any others looking pale or do you see any abnormal poop out there?