Mysterious death

[chickensRheaven]

My hen died today. I feel horrible. Helpless really. I noticed yesterday that she seemed strange - her comb was a little purple and swollen. She was eating and drinking. When I was doing my chores this morning I found her-barely alive. She died shortly after that. I don't detect any other other differences in any of the others. How concerned should I be for the rest of the chickens.? How can I know what happened? It makes me sad.

 

[Robin'sBrood]

 

[cobrien]

So sorry for your loss. This happens on occasion and you could just keep an eye on your flock to see if anyone else looks sick. But if you want to know what happened, you have some options. I don't know about Maine, but I'm in CA and have done 2 things to find out what happened with a dead bird - I have taken them to a vet for an autopsy and I have sent them to the CA state agricultural department for more detailed tests. I had to pay $200 to send my dead bird to the state lab but they run a very comprehensive set of tests. It is the best way to know if it was something infectious. My vet does not charge me for autopsies but she does not do any tests, she just looks at the organs, etc. If you want an autopsy done either by your state or vet, keep the bird chilled but do not freeze it.

 

[PandoraTaylor]

I am so sorry for your loss

 

[Cetawin]

I am sorry for your loss. I do know when the comb turns purple, it is due to oxygen deficiency. Once they start having issues breathing, you will notice the comb color change. It can happen with many different illnesses. The only way to know for sure is a necropsy.