Lost our favorite chicken:(

[Robg]

Sorry I don’t have a ton of information, but wondering if anyone has thoughts.

This is our first flock and first dead chicken. Of course, it is the family favorite. She would sit for the kids, let them pet her, pick her up and she layed the best eggs

She was the lowest on the pecking order and always spent more time roosting than the rest. She is about 9 months old and seemingly healthy. We found her on the floor of the coop tonight.

The coop is predator proof, I looked her over a bit and saw no physical signs. I checked her flap and didn’t see any obvious issues.

We are in Seattle, it’s been rainy but not too cold. We have had a recent rodent, only sign is a couple poops in the nesting box...not a giant infestation. Poops are pretty small so not that big a rodent.

Egg production has dropped for the flock recently. 1-2 eggs a day for 8 hens. Is this normal for December and young hens?

we are sad for losing her and concerned we are missing something bigger with the flock. They rest seem OK.

They free range on the weekends, but not much during the week. My wife said they were out for an hour yesterday. Neither one of us can remember the last time she laid and egg...she layed big long eggs. She’s always been an odd bird, so maybe something wasn’t right from the start?

any thoughts would be really appreciated

 

[Robg]

And any advice on telling our 7,4 and 2 year olds would be helpful

Her name was Nugget, her she is as a chick with my oldest

 

[Folly's place]

I'm so sorry, it's always hard to loose one, especially so young, and a favorite.
Only a necropsy can tell you what went wrong, and it's a good idea, if you can, or if you can have it done.
Obvious things might be lice or mites causing anemia, or a full hard abdomen indicating some disaster inside.
She was loved, and had the best life possible, even if it was too short.
All the best,
Mary

 

[Ebony Rose]

Now is as good a time as any to explain the rainbow bridge to your kids. There will probably be some tears. In my opinion, it's better to be honest with your kids than have them weigh your words by how much sugar-coating has been on them in the past.

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

If she was resting a lot, she might have had coccidiosis.

 

[Robg]

First I’ve heard of the rainbow bridge, great advice...we’ll give that a go. Thanks!

 

[Kathy Golla]

So very sorry. We can all relate.
It is super hard the first time, but as suggested,send her for a necropsy with your state vet. It’s the only way you will ever know. And you should find out to figure out if it’s something you can prevent for the rest of your flock to try to prevent more heartbreak. The necropsy is one of a hobbyists best tools.

 

[ChickenChimp]

Hi Robg,
So very sorry, its never nice losing one of your chickens (especially your favourite)
maybe this article may help.

https://www.offthegridnews.com/how-to-2/6-causes-for-sudden-chicken-death-and-how-to-prevent-it/

What I would say is keep a close eye on the other girls over the next few days. Any change in any of their behaviour is worth investigating (lethargy, strange coloured poop, sitting down a lot during the day etc). It probably wont be anything sinister but with wet/damp weather brings all sorts of nasties for your girls.

Good Luck

 

[gtaus]

And any advice on telling our 7,4 and 2 year olds would be helpful

Her name was Nugget, her she is as a chick with my oldest

View attachment 1984851

What a wonderful picture of your little ones. I never had any children, so I'm the last to offer advice on that issue of losing a pet. I just wanted to say that picture is priceless.

 

[glassdragonfly]

So sorry for your loss.