Question from The Dizzy Hen

[The Dizzy Hen]

My daughter has raised 6 hens that are 2 years old now. They have only laid 2 weeks since they were old enough to lay. Now, she has lost 4 of them in one week. She’s taken very good care of them, but is at a loss as to what has been going on. Now, one of her 2 remaining is just standing in the same place constantly. She never moves. I’ve raised chickens for years, but I have never known of anything like this before. She keeps the coop clean, feeds and waters well. She lives in Missouri if that helps.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Hi, welcome to BYC and thank you for joining. Sorry for your losses. What breeds are the chickens, what does she feed including treats, and has anything changed lately? Has she checked thoroughly for mites or lice? Can we get a pic of the sick chcken so we can see how it is standing please.

She should check the hen's crop at night to see if it is full and report how it feels. Gritty, hard, watery, doughy, etc. Check again first thing in the morning before she can eat or drink. Is it completely empty? If not, how does it feel? Smell the bird's breath and report.

Have any new chickens come into the area recently? All this info will help us help you. Also anything about the behavior of the other chickens before they died. Coughing, sneezing, bubbly eyes.... anything out of the ordinary.