PLEASE HELP!! Our Pet Chickens Keep Dying!!! :(

[greathorse]

For sure a necropsy is in order here. You will need that to figure this out. If this is a disease yes one would likely see symptoms, but one would need to know what to look for. The first couple that I lost I had no idea it was coming but as I learned more about birds I did a better job of seeing issues before they became issues.

 

[Chickenaddict]

I recently lost a few hens in a similar way, I may have had a days notice but usually whatever it was killed them in a few hours with no symptoms expect being lethargic and puufed out. No worms, no mites no other possibilities just out of nowhere they started dropping like flies. They also came from mcmurrays but made it to 3 yrs old. I am sorry for your losses, I know it isn't easy.

ETA: in my case a necropsy wasn't an option due to the cost and the drive.

 

[countrygirlcutie]

I just found a lady who stated that she lost some hens out of nowhere & it was because of crop buildup. I wonder if that could be it? Maybe they aren't getting enough Grit? Or they are eating too much too fast? I always thought I was giving them enough... they always say not to give them too much, because the chickens shouldn't "fill up" on just Grit.

 

[feathersnuggles]

Quote:
Grit is just crushed rocks or small size gravel. My chickens free-range the yard, regularly eating little rocks along with weeds and insects. They do not "fill up" on those little rocks and pebbles; they just eat the amount of grit they need in order to grind up their food. I would not worry about chickens filling up on grit. Make sure they have good feed available and, if they are not allowed to free-range, offer them grit. Some people offer grit and oyster shell in an open dish.