Rooster was lethargic and a squishy crop.

[Jennifer E Taylor]

Our one rooster for our flock of 6, Johnny Ringo, wasn't acting himself last night and when I picked him up to check for injury (there weren't any) I noticed that his crop felt like a water balloon. He was still eating, drinking, and pooping and we were going to take him to the vet this morning, but he had already passed away.

We had just switched them from chick starter (about 4 months old) to grower food and they got to free range as long as we were home. He loved bird seed! They live in an Eglu Coop with the longest run available and we rotate it on the property every few days.

The hens all seem fine, but I'm really worried. Any advice on what this could have been and if it's contagious would be appreciated. These are our first chickens and we raised them from chicks.

He was great at protecting the flock and keeping everyone together, so I'm thinking we should get another young rooster (he was super sweet) but I'm not sure....

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry for your loss.
Without a necropsy, there's no way to know for sure what he died from. If you happen to lose another one in short time, then having some testing performed by your state lab would be a good idea.

that said - It sounds like he may have had some crop issues going on. Even if your birds have free range access, it's never a bad idea to offer poultry grit (crushed granite) free choice - you can toss a little on the ground for them or place some in a cup attached to a fence post, etc. http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/impacted-slow-and-sour-crops-prevention-and-treatments

If you enjoyed him, then you may want to consider replacing him - quarantine and observe your new one for any signs of illness or parasites and treat accordingly.
I hope all goes well for you.

 

[Jennifer E Taylor]

I'm sorry for your loss.
Without a necropsy, there's no way to know for sure what he died from. If you happen to lose another one in short time, then having some testing performed by your state lab would be a good idea.

that said - It sounds like he may have had some crop issues going on. Even if your birds have free range access, it's never a bad idea to offer poultry grit (crushed granite) free choice - you can toss a little on the ground for them or place some in a cup attached to a fence post, etc. http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/impacted-slow-and-sour-crops-prevention-and-treatments

If you enjoyed him, then you may want to consider replacing him - quarantine and observe your new one for any signs of illness or parasites and treat accordingly.
I hope all goes well for you.

Thank You! All of the others are doing just fine so far. Thankfully!