Lost our favorite hen - possibly the heat

[Youneek Farm]

We're in a similar quandry. Saturday we found a dead hen in the bottom of the hen house. Looked like she just went in and went to sleep. It was crazy hot that day. I assumed it was the heat but now yesterday we went in to find 3 dead hens in the hen house, all side by side. One seemed to have fluid coming from her head (beak / mouth). It wasn't the ridiculous heat that we've had so I'm wondering.... disease??? Poison???? (they do free range about 9 hours a day). The kids are scared to go check now for fear the rest will die soon. I have no idea where to start with this but I'm not thinking it's heat anymore. Anyone????????????????

 

[jjthink]

Quote:
Recommend starting a thread on this and providing as much detail as you possibly can, to help folks help you figure out what's going on.
JJ

 

[spacecowgirl]

How sad. It sounds like she was trying to get to you, too, by going to your back door. She knew you would help her, unfortunately it was just a little too late.

I am so sorry for your loss. This heat is terrible.

 

[Shannonwbl]

Quote:
My thoughts exactly. She often sat there as it is always in the shade and she could watch me and be the first to know the treats were coming.

 

[DTRM30]

It's so true, it's always the favorites.

We've lost some to heat, some to predators, and some to unknown causes. It's never easy. Every time I think I have one problem solved another pops up - like a heat wave. I guess I've just learned to roll with the punches knowing I'm doing my best to keep them safe and healthy.