Mass Sudden Death!!

[cheekychick3]

Hi so sorry for your loss, also a shock to your system, not knowing.
But i have no idea, other than others have stated. Was there signs of blood any marks
on them???? it is crazy, to hear, did you, lose them all. ???? The 24 Chanteclers and 9
Buff Orpingtons. my heart goes out to you. Wish i could help.

 

[jermoatc]

Were the birds from the hatchery vaccinated while the birds from the private breeders not?

the birds from the hatchery were not vaccinated

 

[jermoatc]

Are you going to do a necropsy or have one done? With the massive loss you've suffered it might be a good idea to find out for sure. I'm so sorry this happened, NOT what you had planned for today, huh?

I dont know. Does anybody know what a necropsy would cost?

 

[jermoatc]

Hi so sorry for your loss, also a shock to your system, not knowing.
But i have no idea, other than others have stated. Was there signs of blood any marks
on them???? it is crazy, to hear, did you, lose them all. ???? The 24 Chanteclers and 9
Buff Orpingtons. my heart goes out to you. Wish i could help.

Im going to do a closer inspection when I get home from work on some of the carcasses. Im feeling like it might be the gnats. If it is I'm terrified Im going to get home and the rest of my flock will be decimated. The gnats are so bad right now.

 

[Ebony Rose]

I dont know. Does anybody know what a necropsy would cost?

https://www.vdl.umn.edu/services-fees

 

[bobbi-j]

Look closely - especially on the neck and under the wings. Weasels will leave very little sign. They can make tiny little bites, then will lap up the blood as the bird bleeds out. This has been my experience, anyway.

 

[cheekychick3]

I hope the rest will be okay. Just copied this for you, it is worth a try. Of course keep
away from your flock.
Create a DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Trap
Create your own fruit fly trap with vinegar, an ingredient that most households should already have in their kitchen. You’ll need a container, apple cider vinegar, sugar, dish soap, and water.

First, mix two tablespoons of vinegar, one tablespoon of sugar, a few drops of dish soap, and half a cup of warm water into a container and mix until the sugar starts to dissolve.

Next, place the vinegar solution-filled container next to the areas where the fruit flies and gnats are frequently seen, such as the kitchen sink.

The scent of vinegar and sugar will attract the flies into the container. When the fruit flies make contact with the vinegar solution, they won’t be able to escape due to the dish soap. Make sure to place several of these traps. One gnat trap won’t be enough.

 

[Mel281]

Not sure about specific breeds of gnats and what is dangerous. Here’s some tips specific to chickens and buffalo gnats. http://athomewithtori.blogspot.com/2013/05/protect-your-chickens-against-buffalo.html?m=1

 

[Eggcessive]

Are you using a heat lamp on the chicks and poults? There are been massive deaths from using Teflon-coated bulbs that are not meant for poultry.

What are you feeding? Check the feed to make sure there is no odd odor or color from moldy feed. If the least bit of water gets into feed, it can mold overnight and cause poisoning.

If none of the above are a problem, then I would look for the possibilities the others have suggested, of a weasel or the gnats as a possibility. A necropsy might be helpful.

 

[Mel281]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/gnat-attack-need-help-and-advise.783928/