Just found our 5 month old barred rooster dead and have no idea why

[Farmercharmer]

He was fine a couple hours ago, had water and food, no signs of attack. Totally surprised and sad, any ideas?

 

[EverythingZen]

Can you give some more info?
what setup do you have?.
what is in your flock?
was he penned alone or with others?
do you have snakes or other predators where you live?
is there any sign of injury on his neck, legs, etc?

 

[Farmercharmer]

Can you give some more info?
what setup do you have?.
what is in your flock?
was he penned alone or with others?
do you have snakes or other predators where you live?
is there any sign of injury on his neck, legs, etc?

a secure run with half inch hardware clothe on all sides. Roof is ten feet tall and covered. I live in Nevada, so rattlesnakes are a thing, but I’ve never seen one. No sign of injury. Can chickens have heart attacks? We have 18 other chickens, one group is 5 months, the other Is 3.

 

[EverythingZen]

they can have heart attacks. It might be the heat, it’s his first summer in existence. Some chickens handle hot weather better than others, just like us humans.
its so strange as he was acting absolutely normal only hours earlier. Hopefully someone with more experience can give you some ideas.
sorry for your loss.