Lost a hen that was just fine two days ago...

[Woodsman Rick]

One of the hens we inherited when we bought our home died in the night. The whole flock was said to be about ten years old when we moved in and took over care of them.

This hen was doing great just two days ago with no signs of trouble at all. Yesterday she was found laying in the corner of the coop without much movement at all. We have had times when other hens were found to be taking a time out or resting before and then they return to normal daily activities. Although we were concerned, we saw no trauma and thought we would check this morning and see how things were. We found her in her corner having died in the night.

The temperature was above freezing and we have a good coop with good ventilation and white wood shavings for insulation on the floor. There is covered areas for the hens to be out when it rains. They are fed good organic feed and scratch and have abundant fresh water at all times...

What might we have missed or done? Is this normal for 10 year olds to pass this quickly without much warning? the other hens and rooster are fine.

I would appreciate any thoughts you might have on our loss and what we might have been able to do, if anything. to help.

Thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That's pretty old for your average hen. Many will just die suddenly like that with no outward sign that they are unwell.

I generally suspect a heart problem or heart attack when they go suddenly, though things like fatty liver syndrome can cause sudden deaths too.

If I have a hen that makes it to ten years old that is quite a feat. I currently have 1 ten year old girl. Sorry you lost her.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss. You are lucky to have 10 year olds thriving in your coop. I would say that she probably died of old age. Chickens can live for 10-12 years, but most do not always make it that long. You are able to get your state vet to do a necropsy, if you refrigerate the body, and arrange to send or take it in. They can look for a cause of death if you wish.

 

[Woodsman Rick]

Thank you for your replies. It's sad to lose a hen and somewhat discouraging if you do not know why or if one might have done something to help. I suppose we should expect this. we still have six hens and one rooster all about ten years of age.

Thanks again for your kind replies.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Thank you for your replies. It's sad to lose a hen and somewhat discouraging if you do not know why or if one might have done something to help. I suppose we should expect this. we still have six hens and one rooster all about ten years of age.

Thanks again for your kind replies.

Hi welcome to BYC!

Wow 10 years old! Credit to the previous owners. And sorry for your loss.

Yes, I would expect much more death in the future as nobody will live forever.

Chickens being prey animals... your hen may have been hiding her discomfort for a long time. As any sign of weakness can mean easy predation as well as possibly bullying and cannibalism by her own flock. Chickens are always looking to up their standing in the pecking order and WILL take advantage of any weakness detected. Plus it's a way they keep disease at bay. Glad that wasn't the issue for your gal.

My guess would be general system failure. Kidneys, specifically if them birds are still eating layer, could be a possibility. But with age ALL system functions decline until eventually "death by natural causes" occur. If you are feeding layer, I highly recommend switching to a feed with way less calcium, about 1%.

Of course disease is ALWAYS a possibility, but not my suspicion in this case.

Have you ever had a fecal float done to check if they need to wormed and for what species? Though I don't suspect that as an actual cause of death, it could certainly have an impact on older flock much more than one in its' prime. Usually about $18 at my vet.

You REALLY did them folks a favor when you adopted their birds at the end of their life cycle. Them folk won't be suffering the pain of knowing their bird is passing.

Curious, are they all the same breed and do you know what that is?

 

[Woodsman Rick]

We have a variety of breeds. I will try to post pictures as I find the time.