Lost 2 hens today

[martin60]

This morning, I left for work about 5:30 a.m.. I fed and watered the "girls" and as far as I could tell, everything was okay.
I got home about 7:20 p.m and when I checked, 2 of them were dead. As far as I know, nothing was wrong. I'm sure there wasn't a predator, they were both intact. They were 12 1/2 weeks old, RIR.

I feed them well and change the water twice a day.
Any suggestions or ideas?
Thanks!
Martin

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

Are they all the same age? What sort of bedding are they on. Can you give any other info...feed type...using any DE ? Any info may help someone figure out what may have gone wrong. I know I have had a couple just drop dead and was told they may have just died of heart troubles. Some types of birds are more prone to that then others. Just seems more strange to have TWO go close to the same time if it were heart related too.

 

[martin60]

Yes, they were all the same age. I've been feeding them Dumor Grower/Finisher 15%. They have been in the run since I got them on May 15th. I still have to build the coop and the permanent run, they have been in a temporary run.

When I checked them this a.m., they seemed fine, but it was still before sun-up. It was actually a pleasant day here, about 81-yesterday I think it was 89(?).

I can't imagine what happened and how I lost two in one day. If it was a predator, I think I could accept the loss better.

 

[ging3rhoffman]

How puzzling. Sorry to hear that. I read these kind of stories everyday on here. Most dont know what has happened. I hope you dont lose anymore, thats so troubling. I have mine on the same feed as yours and mine are the same exact age as yours. Gee, I just dont know.

 

[ma hen]

maybe being 89 just a thougth the heat? it was in the low 80's my way and my cochins and silkies started to get really hot had to open up all the windows in my hen house and start to think of getting the fan out. my heart goes out to you


ma hen

 

[Chickenchick08]

i have a weird question...did they have dried poop on thier butts?

 

[jsimplytx125]

I lost one today that I would have driven me crazy with the " what tha H e x k?" if I had not seen a cat jumping over the fence. It was intact and only a very small spot of blood deep in feathers. It mustv'e cornered her (they free range during day). my 1st loss and I'm so very sad. These RIR were to be meat and eggs birds, but now I'm changing my mind. boooo hooo.

 

[annek]

Could they have eaten something? Is the food fresh? Any of it get wet? I think I would change all the food just in case any of it was bad/moldy. You could always send the body off to get tested. I don't know how to do that but others on this site do.

 

[sammi]

describe whatever droppings are in the area..color and consistency..
check for odd droppings

is there any shade or shelter for the run?
was there still water available? is the food and water in the sun?
any algae in the watereres?

what bedding?
do you give treats?

 

[annek]

One other thing, did they feel fat and full? maybe some of your hens are keeping some others away from the feed/water. Just guessing but with the heat it wouldn't take long to become dehydrated. Do you have more than one feeder/waterer?