I have a question best answered by my knowledgeable okie neighbors!
A month ago, my 10 week old pullet, Duchess, a beautiful coronation sussex, mysteriously died inside the coop. No blood, no feathers, no signs of illness. Not one. I had taken pictures of all the chickens the day before and she was eating, strutting, looked healthy with no discharge or eye problems. She was eating, she looked beautiful....you get the picture. Since she died, not one other chicken (7 of them) has had a problem.
It's been bothering me. (I guess I should have had an autopsy done.) But, all I can think of is that the darn heat lamp (unplugged of course) fell on her. While she was stiff, he neck was still limp. My other guess is that she ate something poisonous. Since I have small children & a very small dog, I'm not in the habit of keeping poisonous chemicals hanging around. Of course, there's always the possibility she found some speck of fertilizer or insecticide, but I'm thinking it might be something naturally growing.
I have found that long list of toxic plants for chickens, but not all of them grow here in Oklahoma. Thought somebody might be able to tell me what I need to look out for. I keep toxic plants like daffodils and tulips, etc and all the chickens free range from time to time. Also, I think I have seen some clover and creeping charlie weeds. Could those be lethal to a chicken? Is there another weed common to Oklahoma that is lethal to chickens?
Sure would love your input & advice. Thanks!!!