Just wondering about poultry going light?

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

I have raised birds for getting close to 30 years now, so I know all the ins and outs, but had an old man come over today and asked about some of his hens going light. This I have had over the years myself here and there on random birds, no pattern, no outbreaks, just at random, usually just 1 -2 birds. But I couldnt tell him why or from what, or how to help, as I have never figured it out.
I've seen it in everything from bantams, to peafowl, turkeys to migratory waterfowl.
The bird is fat as mud, never shows signs of a problem, eats well, drinks well, just a happy all around bird. Then one day you suddenly notice it being lethargic and weak, but it will still eat. When you catch it up to check on it, then you notice it is basically nothing but a breast bone with skin on it. No symptoms like diarrhea or nothing like that. It's like in a few days period, it just shrivels up to nothing, by the time you notice the problem, it's always too far gone and usually is dead with in 2 days.
Anyone have any ideas, cause, treatment? I'm at a loss, he really stumped me when he asked.
I know it's not a parasitic problem either I am religious about that, but over the years, I too have had some do it, I'm pretty sure everyone who has kept birds for any period of time knows what I am talking about and has probably had it too...
Any hard info on the problem would be great

 

[chookchick]

I feel strange talking to someone who has had chickens for 30 years....but have you heard of lymphoid leukosis? Basically tumors that form all over the body, especially digestive organs. Causes death without a lot of symptoms other than emaciation. Next time you have an unexplained death, if you are brave you could do an autopsy.

 

[Pine Grove]

With lymphoid leukosis fluid is always present beneath the skin and most times the abdomen is enlarged, I know exactly what Aubrey's talking about, I'ts called Avian Tuberculosis.. Basically all you have is crow headed pale combed skeleton with feathers on it even though they still have a good appetite..usually never a problem till you've had birds on the same ground for two or three years.and then its only one or two birds at the time.. No cure for it and the only way to prevent it is to keep out wild birds and mice, which is nearly impossible.. I dont know why but usually i'ts only seen in hobby flocks, and hardly ever diagnosed, usually passed off as worms or oh well there's another one thats died and its left at that..

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

That has to be it then, I have over the years cut them open to see whats one the inside, and iT's usually clean and clear.
I'll pass that along to my buddy, and finally makes me feel better to, I hate not knowing, Any yep, that's how most people, myself included see it, oh well, dont know why, but one did it again....
I was going to ask you about it anyway to when you come out Pine Grove. Was planning on calling you one night this week. Looks like we may finally have a decent weather weekend, if you are free, Sunday good to you?
Thanks
Aubrey