My Mary died today - please help me understand why

[seminolewind]

The same exact thing just happened to one of my hens. She was 6 months old. I don't know why either. She died in my arms, there was no weight to her.

 

[Suzie]

I hope it wasn't due to any mould - I use a power washer to clean all of their feeders (chickens, ducks and geese) and the floors are power washed daily and disinfected also - the chickens, ducks and geese are kept in separate compounds at night, they eat corn and a prepatory feed especially for their needs.

All of my chickens have individual names and they will come to me when I call them by name - I love them and it is so sad for me when I lose any one of my babies, I love them very much and it is important to me to learn all I can to help them to live happy and healthy lives - I do understand that some of my babies will die for whatever reason but Mary's death was such a shock and I want to prevent this from happening again if I can help it... I am convinced that this was due to "internal laying" or some complex reason that I am not experienced with - I have only had my chickens for almost two years now and I need learn and understand - I wish Speckledhen was my neighbour..... she has such experience ( sadly for her ) - so if you want a FREE holiday in France Cynthia and Tom - contact me!

Mary is at rest now, I do feel guilt but that is something I have to live with - thank you all for your comments I do value all of them - thank you BYC for being there for all of us!

Suzie

 

[seminolewind]

Suzie, have you thought about heat stress/stroke?

 

[Suzie]

Hi Seminolewind,

No hadn't thought of heat stroke or stress... it is VERY hot here in France, she could have died of heat stroke or stress - it is so very difficult for me as no Vet here would be bothered with a sick chicken - sad for me - I have not had any others die recently ( I have 34 chickens now) so I am perplexed as to why one (Mary) died....

I still feel awful that she died and I will never know why - I suppose with all of the suggestions here it could be for one of many reasons - I would hate for it to be neglect - I did what I thought was right for her as I would do for any of my babies... R.I.P my Mary, Love your chicken Mum

I am crying again just thinking of her and feeling so bad that I was not with her when she died.

Thank you for your comments,

Very much appreciated

Are there any signs of stress? I would be interested to know as I don't want any of my chickens to die of stress.

Many thanks

Suzie

 

[seminolewind]

Quote:
My hen died, it was most likely the heat.

 

[Firearia]

In the heat she didn't have droopy wings or her beak open and gasping did she?

 

[Suzie]

No she was as normal - didn't show any signs of any respiratory problems - she was just lethargic - she ate and drank as normally but she showed no signs of interest in her surroundings - her colour changed, she started to appear " grey" in colour which is why I isolated her to give her time to recuperate from whatever problem it was that was affecting her

Suzie

 

[seminolewind]

Mine was eating and drinking, but obviously not enough. I can't say she was panting anymore than the rest of them. But what I've noticed today is that her buddy-hen is doing the same thing, so I watched. Even when there's no chickens around, she will not eat from the feeder. I have a feeling that those 2 were taught that the feeder and waterer were off limits, and they were too docile to push the issue. So I moved the other hen in with the bantams and she is eating and drinking like crazy.
So now this is what I look for , panting too fast or not at all, lethargic, empty crop during the day, pale, eyes are not clear, bright and perky. I have added a mister and that seems to really cut down on the stress. I let the hose run and make puddles so they can stand in the water. Hope this helps

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

I am so sorry for your heart ache.

 

[smsabean]

I am sorry for your loss. It sounds like you are taking very good care of your birds. It is not your fault, I am sure but I know the loss is difficult just the same.