I went out to take care of my critters and found my splash Marans rooster dead in his yard. His girls are all healthy looking, no problems. This is not the first one. I have lost a few other roosters this year with no obvious signs of problems. Maybe internal parasites? Why the roosters and not the hens? Are the girls hardier? The boys have died months apart from each other. They were unrelated, different breeds and not kept in adjoining yards. I'm really sad about my splash marans and I hate to think I'm doing something wrong. It's not a predator, there is no physical damage to the birds. Each time, it's the only rooster in the pen. I'd appreciate any suggestions or ideas... or even just a guess.
I'd be checking them for parasites. Roos are at greater risk from mites because they are not as picky in their hygiene as hens. If you have not wormed them recently then I would also look into doing that. Sorry for your losses. Good luck.
