It just died

[Yayeggs]

I joined yesterday and have had two Plymouth Rocks for only about two weeks. They weren't even laying yet (about 18 weeks). Today I spent a lot of time with them and everything seemed okay. I went to my daughters piano lesson and when we came back 2 1/2 hours later, one was dead. There didn't seem to be any lacerations or blood anywhere. There were a few feathers, but not that many that would make me think she was attacked. How do I deal with this? They have a nice size coop with an enclosed run at night. I even have nite guard on all four sides. I'm worried the other hen is going to have the same fate and I don't even know what happened. Also, will my only hen be lonely? Should I try to find more chickens now? I've just started and already I feel like I've failed.

 

[wolftracks]

I joined yesterday and have had two Plymouth Rocks for only about two weeks. They weren't even laying yet (about 18 weeks). Today I spent a lot of time with them and everything seemed okay. I went to my daughters piano lesson and when we came back 2 1/2 hours later, one was dead. There didn't seem to be any lacerations or blood anywhere. There were a few feathers, but not that many that would make me think she was attacked. How do I deal with this? They have a nice size coop with an enclosed run at night. I even have nite guard on all four sides. I'm worried the other hen is going to have the same fate and I don't even know what happened. Also, will my only hen be lonely? Should I try to find more chickens now? I've just started and already I feel like I've failed.

Sorry about your pullet. And yes she's going to need company. They are flock animals. Plus, there's chicken math. Trust me it's fun.

Were there any signs she was ill? I've bought birds before that never made it out of quarentine. Sometimes you just don't know. I'd wait at least another 2 weeks and see how the second one does. If you have a quarentine area set up, which if you are ever going to have more birds, you should have one, you can always buy more and keep them separate for at least a month. Then when you know they are health, you can intergrate. There are lots of deseases that you just can't see by looking. Healthy one minute and they die the next.

I would also check areas around and under the coop to see if something did actually get to her. Make sure no high openings that aren't secure. It's amazing how small a spot uncovered can be infiltrated.

 

[KrisH]

Sorry for your loss.

If they are sick, they hide it very well. Don't beat yourself up about it.

Watch your other girl, and if all is well, yes I would look for company.

RobertH