Lost my first hen yesterday....

[Tgallaher1]

No visible signs of illness, looks like she just dropped off the perch at night, found her flat out....She was the head of the pecking order. And today, only 1 hen layed. They are all kinda quiet, seeming confused. Anyone know how long it takes for the rest to settle into the new pecking order? And would her death upset their laying?

 

[ben0125]

So sorry for your loss . When my first and only hen died, my hens still laid an egg everyday and I don't think my chickens really cared to be honest. But of course all chickens are different. If you notice they aren't acting normal just give it a few days and I'm sure they will settle in.
-Ben

 

[ChickNanny13]

Sorry for your loss

 

[aart]

Ah, bummer! Hard to lose one, especially for no apparent reason.
If she was top bird, there may be pecking order stress, especially if you have a smaller number of birds. It may take few days for things to settle.

I don't think my chickens really cared to be honest.

Ditto Dat^^^

 

[lazy gardener]

Did you inspect her very carefully for small wounds, especially around the neck?

Sorry for your loss.

 

[Tgallaher1]

Did you inspect her very carefully for small wounds, especially around the neck?

Sorry for your loss.

Yes, i did. Could find nothing.

 

[chickens really]

Heart attack..
They will be fine in a few days...

 

[Tgallaher1]

Heart attack..
They will be fine in a few days...

I read that this is common.

 

[casportpony]

No visible signs of illness, looks like she just dropped off the perch at night, found her flat out....She was the head of the pecking order. And today, only 1 hen layed. They are all kinda quiet, seeming confused. Anyone know how long it takes for the rest to settle into the new pecking order? And would her death upset their laying?

Sorry for your loss. May I suggest that you take her body the lab in San Bernadino for necropsy? It's only $20 and is the best way to find out what your hen died from.
http://cahfs.ucdavis.edu/about/locations/sanb.cfm

 

[N F C]

I'm sorry for your loss.