One hen died this morning- concerned about other hens getting ill, too.

[heathersue]

Our 17 week old black sex link hen, Blackwing, died this morning. Yesterday she didn't come out of the coop in the morning and I noticed some runny poop that looked like it had some blood spots in it. I took samples of the stool to the vet and they said it was clear of any parasites. She became increasingly lethargic during the day and this morning she died. There were no physical signs of injury that I could see at all. We have 4 other hens that are the same age (2 Isa Browns and 2 Barred Rocs) and two 9 week old silkies. None of them are showing any symptoms. But, I'm concerned that what she had may have been contagious.

We are feeding regular chicken feed. They were on medicated chick feed until a week ago. They get fresh drinking water twice/day. We lock them in the coop at night- it has a sand floor. During the day they free range in our fenced in back yard. These are my children's pets and they are absolutely heartbroken about losing Blackwing.

I don't know if there is anything I should do to try and prevent my other chickens from getting sick if this was something contagious? We have no vets that will treat chickens in our area. The vet only agreed to examine the droppings for me.

 

[Roosterlover5]

So sorry about Blackwing.

Psalms 50:10-11
For every animal of the forest is mine,and the cattle on a thousand hills."I know every bird in the mountains,and the creatures of the field are mine.

 

[leadwolf1]

So sorry for your loss

The only way that you will definitely know what happened, and if it's contagious, is to have a necropsy performed. You can call your local government extension office and find out where your closest state lab is.

 

[heathersue]

Thank you for your replies! It really surprises me how quickly we fell in love with these chickens. This is our first time raising chickens and I really didn't think I'd like them. I sure was wrong!

I think I've found the local government extension office, but I can't find any information on poultry, or anything about having a necropsy done.

 

[leadwolf1]

Put her in a plastic bag and in the fridge...then, call the office on Monday morning for information.

 

[heathersue]

With two very upset kiddos, I couldn't do that. My husband buried her last night. Thank you so much for your help, though!

 

[leadwolf1]

I'm sorry you didn't get a chance to necropsy...I have two kiddos also but, I was able to explain the need for the testing and they understood. The real problem came when I told her that she was never coming home again...that part, they didn't like

 

[heathersue]

It's been a little over a month and all of the other hens seem to be doing fine, thank goodness! Thank you for your help!

 

[CayugaLover]

i'm so sorry

!!!!!if one of your chickens shows symptoms of illness, i would suggest that you separate it from the others. that way, none of the other chickens get sick.