Lost a hen today. Can u help us figure it out?

[BlandiniHens]

We have had 3 hens for just over one year and would greatly appreciate the input from fellow members as we are new to raising laying hens. Today one of our hens was found dead in the coop. We were heartbroken as she was the most intelligent and most friendly of the former trio. We checked her for body trauma and found none. Upon reflecting of the previous 24 hours, my husband said he noticed yesterday morning that her laid egg had egg white and yoke around it and in the nest. We think that she had an egg inside her that cracked and may caused internal problems. Yesterday afternoon and all day she was behaving in a normal way and she did not appear ill in the least. I should mention here in the Bay Area it has been over 100 degrees for four consecutive days and I read severe warmth can cause problems. Any insight would be appreciated .

 

[LeafBlade12345]

Are you planning on a necropsy? They can be very insightful. If you would rather not do it, just send it to a nearby lab. They will usually do it for free or for a very low cost. I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[Toddrick]

Sorry for your loss.

If her last egg was covered in yolk and stuff then I'd say it is obvious that she had an egg rupture inside her, and that this is almost certainly related to why she died. If you do a necropsy, it might be interesting just to cut open the vent and trace it up a ways to better understand what went wrong.

Chickens that lay very heavily, like Red Sex Links in particular, are often associated with an increased occurrence of internal laying, prolapsed vents, and related ailments. (I'm not speaking from experience here, just what I've read or been told).

 

[BlandiniHens]

Thank you for your feedback. Yes, we will try the necropsy. We plan to buy another Plymouth hen so I think it would be prudent to conduct the necropsy. So glad I found this website/group. We appreciate your time and feedback.
Best always

 

[LeafBlade12345]

Could you post pics of the necropsy? It would be very interesting and many BYCers can help you identify problems.