So, I went to let the girls out this morning and Stella one of our blue cochins and unfortunately my favorite chicken was huddled in the corner with her wings spread. I thought she was just being goofy and protecting her egg and I picked her up to move her to an egg box. I then noticed her eyes were closed her breathing was labored, her crop was full and squishy and her comb was nearly grey. I brought her in the house, made a couple phone calls for advice and was debating which vet to call when she shuddered and died. I am so sad. Monday she was out pecking around and happy with all the others. I didn't spend a lot of time with them yesterday, but nothing about her behavior clued me in that something was wrong. My sister reports that everyone was roosting last night. She did feel a little thin to me this morning, but her feathers are thick and healthy. Could it have been sour crop? Would that have killed her so suddenly? All the other hens appear to be fine this morning, nice bright red combs, pecking around doing their thing. The only exception is a brahma who has been molting. Her comb is not as beautiful, but she looks much better than she did in the photos I took last month. Is there anything that I might need to watch for in everyone else?
