Lost a hen :(

[Chickies2020]

Woke up to a dead hen this morning. Yesterday she didnt come out to eat with the rest but I didnt pay much attention to it, and this morning she's dead. I dont think it was a predator - something did much on her but it was a very small amount, and there werent any prints in the mud. Their run is pretty secure, Im pretty sure she was sick.

Any thoughts on the cause? It's not cold enough here for it to be weather related. I know it's hard to say without more information, but I worry about the other two now.

She was only a year and had just started laying eggs (late spring hen skipped laying through winter, and we've just recently had enough sunshine for her to start laying).

 

[cavemanrich]

I just hope your other 2 are OK. It is always a sad time when you loose one.

Almost forgot

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

What part of the bird's body was "munched on" and to what degree? Where was her carcass located when you discovered it? It is entirely possible that your other birds took advantage of her passing and are the ones who consumed part of her, but it is also possible that a predator was involved. Understanding the damage will help to pinpoint likely culprits. Can you describe your coop and run setup and the predator protection that is in place?
Sudden death is not all that uncommon - it is to a prey animal's advantage to not let on when they are compromised as it makes them an easy target if they show signs of illness/injury. The important thing now is going to be keeping a very close eye on the remaining birds for any sign or symptom that they are suffering from what may have gotten the first bird.

 

[Chickies2020]

I hate writing this, but they ate her face right down to the skull. Some feathers were pulled out and some skin was gone from her collar bone area, but thats it.