Piper died suddenly with no explanation

[neophyte17]

Sorry for your loss We lost one of our easter eggers last week too. She was about 3 years old and perfectly healthy. Acting completely normal the day before. But when my daughter went out to feed them the next morning she was dead in the coop. No damage or obvious stress. She looked like she settled down for a nap and never woke up. Her sister and the other chickens are still completely fine. The only thing we can take solace in is that she passed peacefully without stress or fear.

I am fearful for my remaining hens cause the cause for sudden death is unknown. Every time I go outside where they are I hold my breath until I see they are all alive and well. It's going to take some time for me to get over this. Sorry for your loss too. I share your pain

 

[abraga]

Well..u could try worming ur birds and treating them for cocci. Also..put a white sheet down and go into ur coop at night to check for mites. Or take a stool sample by the vet to check for worms/cocci just to eliminate those issues that are the two most common ailments that kill chickens.

 

[showjumper_girl2002]

I am fearful for my remaining hens cause the cause for sudden death is unknown. Every time I go outside where they are I hold my breath until I see they are all alive and well. It's going to take some time for me to get over this. Sorry for your loss too. I share your pain

I know what you mean. Every time I get home I run out to the coop hoping Nugget is still doing good.

 

[andreanar]

Only thing I would be worried about with brooding them close to Nugget: you don't know if Nugget is harboring some sickness that she can pass to the chicks, and the chicks could pass something to Nugget. Id keep them totally separate for awhile, and make sure they are all healthy. And watch Nugget in the meantime for any illness.

 

[neophyte17]

I know what you mean. Every time I get home I run out to the coop hoping Nugget is still doing good.

I have a buff brahma named Piper. Love her like crazy. I meant to get just a few new chicks to cheer me up. Ended up ordering 9!!!

 

[neophyte17]

Well..u could try worming ur birds and treating them for cocci. Also..put a white sheet down and go into ur coop at night to check for mites. Or take a stool sample by the vet to check for worms/cocci just to eliminate those issues that are the two most common ailments that kill chickens.

I will do just that. But if she had mites, wouldn't the vet have noticed or do they jump off when the body they are hosting on dies? Or do they only feed on the hens at night?

 

[abraga]

I will do just that. But if she had mites, wouldn't the vet have noticed or do they jump off when the body they are hosting on dies? Or do they only feed on the hens at night?

There's a more that can infect the coop that hide in boards/crevices/bedding and come out at night to feed on the chickens.

 

[TwinsLoveChicks]

 

[neophyte17]

There's a more that can infect the coop that hide in boards/crevices/bedding and come out at night to feed on the chickens.

Well they in an indoor coop in my livingroom and I clean that coop daily

 

[abraga]

Wow..nice set up!