Official BYC Poll: What Are The Top Causes of Death in Your Backyard Flock?

[Cazook]

Egg-laying issues. I realize that might fit other categories, but it's an important distinction to me, when there's a history of egg problems over time.

Same, most of the chickens I've lost have been due to laying diseases, all retired farm chickens (production breeds). Haven't lost any of the ones I've bred (except naughty cockerels), though time will tell.

I've lost comparatively a lot of chicks/at hatching though I guess that's natural? Stuff like failing to pip, or dying at day old. There always seems to be one in a hatch that doesn't make it for whatever reason.

 

[Abriana]

Definitely predators. This summer the chicken sitter got confused on the days and forgot to let them out one day, and 11 died from heat (this summer there will be a water source in the coop FOR SURE), but I wouldn’t technically count that (even though it’s had the biggest impact on me, some days are still really hard and that was about six or seven months ago). Overall though, the top cause of death is hawks. I’ve had a few die from sickness, about four or five, but that’s been over almost five years (it’ll be five this March 26!)

 

[swampfox440]

I didn't know what choice to make . The last time I lost any they were over 12 yrs . but a coon got in the back door when I forgot to latch it good !

 

[theoldchick]

I'm saying old age because mine have died after 8 years of age usually of Kidney failure.

 

[WindingRoad]

The fact that just about everything eats poultry, that predators fall from the sky, come creeping out from behind every bush, and wag their gleeful tails while moments later wreaking carnage on beloved hens is a tough reality for most poultry keepers. However death sometimes also occurs as a result of our own mistakes or oversight while some may also process their backyard flock for food purposes.

Whatever the cause, in this poll, we'd like to find out: What Are The Top Causes of Death in Your Backyard Flock?

Feel free to choose multiple answers and please elaborate in the comment section if you choose "Other".

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Further reading:

• Coping With Death In Your Flock: 4 Actionable Steps
• A Checklist to Avoiding Casualties in the Flock
• Hens Passing Away Due to Old Age: What to Expect
• Do Poultry Mourn Over The Loss Of A Flock Mate?

(Check out more Official BYC Polls HERE!)

Let's see.

I started with 2 then got 2 more. I still have 3 of the first one's. My BO died this winter of vent gleet. I didn't notice it until it was very advanced. I had to google it. I found her on the floor of the coop one morning and she was gone.

I got 12 in Sept "19 and rehome 2 big Buff who weren't laying. I don't know how they are doing.

I have no large predators because the lady next door has 2 LARGE Bull Mastiffs and 1 large greyhound. I rarely see birds of prey. I have a large run but rarely let them free range because they seem to think I own the whole neighbor hood. Luckily they will come when I call, taught them that early on. If they are in range of my voice that is. I just don't want them pooping all over others lawns.

 

[ChassiNoir]

2020 was the first year we’ve really lost any chickens to predators. A Harrier stopped by and took a few; now the Red Tails in the area have become emboldened where else they used to leave them alone.

Over half are going to be dispatched in a couple of weeks. Many were supposed to be last year, but when Covid hit, things sort of went by the way side. I believe only 1 rooster or cockerel ever survived the cull to be taken by the Harrier.

We have lost a few production hens from liver failure as well a couple from prolapse.

Oh, I also forgot about the one bantam cockerel who may have choked to death on his overly-stuffed croup.

I honestly try not to be too mad at the hawks. I really love birds, raptors included, and I know they have to eat as well. I just wish they would have taken the bright white idiot rooster rather than the cleverly camouflaged sapphire gem. Also, if any of the chickens are going to be eaten, we want to be the ones to eat them!

 

[All Ball]

Disease or genetic issue, but I think it is worth being specifically mentioned because chickens are often overbred for egg productivity: reproductive issues. In one case, EYP; in the other, ovarian cancer.

 

[Cryss]

I don’t know. I’ve only lost 2 since I began 3 33 years ago. One to reproductive issues and one passed in the night peacefully in his sleep. I didn’t investigate his passing further.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

It makes me feel so bad that I've NEVER had a chicken die of old age.

I voted processing.. though in reality and gentler terms I consider it harvesting. Seems like semantics.. but it's more of a heart condition, since understanding the much needed skill!

That was a general statement for this thread, noting I'm still on page one and still reading.

But dear JACLOH.. please understand that other conditions which come along with old age are not ALWAYS prettier or better and quick predator or other "humane" death CAN be somehow *less* traumatic. Seeing aging parents and pets in the recent years that suffered these fleshy pains and diseases was drawn out (even just a few days) and heart wrenching! So while I acknowledge that line of thinking, please try not to feel bad or focus on the grave.. it was the life that counts. So while I miss AND grieve at times, that which has gone too soon.. I feel NO regret or remorse for that which is past, was not in my control according to my understanding at that time, and cannot be undone. Thank goodness for the wisdom and understanding TODAY, that has come through the support and experiences of all those who've graced my path.

I have "lost" birds to other options including predation, drowning accident, unknown, injury, and confirmed disease.. and as stated harvesting.. even dispatching due to BAD attitude being what bought them full circle to the freezer.. that were not originally intended (by ME anyways) for food purposes).. Some accidents also become food purposed..

I learned a new expression in regards to training guide dogs for the blind that I kinda like.. "career changed"! The intended career may have been "flock master" and instead the position earned was "veggie tender"! My rules, I'm the boss.. ALL livestock EARN their "keep" and position. Attempted hostile take over of the company, NOT advised!

Noting it all started as PET adventures and then I learned about where my food came from and wanted a better life even for those with other "career" paths! Everything has purpose, can't wait to read about others journeys.

 

[PurpleCArTires]

Out of the 60 chickens I have amassed over the past year of starting chickens, i have lost 3 to predators (my dumb A dog...) And 4 to illness. 3 of those illnesses were complications from caponizing and 1 (i belive) was sickly from the hatchery we bought her from. I am blessed to have never lost a chick I hatched and dont have any problems with wild predators. The other 10 we harvested. Everyone else is rockin and rollin and ready for the spring to get here already .