Lost 3 birds just today.

[strawn28]

I went out to the coop and my rooster and 2 hens are dead. No injuries no predators. They were all up fine this morning.
Any thoughts?

 

[Eggcessive]

How old were they? Were they in a secure coop where even tiny predators could not squeeze through? Weasels can get through 1 inch chicken wire or the tiniest hole. What did the bodies look like and where were they located? Can you look at their feed to note if there is any off odor or mold? If you have the bodies, you can refrigerate them and get a necropsy by your state vet. Sorry for your loss.

 

[strawn28]

Well the hens are about 4yrs old but the rooster was only a year. It’s secure coop and off the ground. Feed is fresh.

 

[Eggcessive]

Weasels can come in kill for sport by attacking the neck. Here is a link where you can contact your state vet for a necropsy:
http://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

 

[strawn28]

Well the hens are about 4yrs old but the rooster was only a year. It’s secure coop and off the ground.

 

[strawn28]

The bodies were all in the hut part which is completely in closed except for their door out to run. No blood anywhere there wasn’t even any disturbance in bedding no feathers just 3 dead birds. It’s like they just dropped dead. Only one hen is alive and freaking out. She is better since my husband got bodies out and I just held her. We do have TONs of buffalo gnats that are awful.