Rosemary's Necropsy Photos....WARNING! GRAPHIC!

[speckledhen]

That build up is eggs, one upon another, in layers. We are trying to figure out the cause, but I think it's genetic or caused by something in the parent stock from the hatchery. I've lost two different breeds and I have another breed from the same bunch who will be in Rosemary's condition soon unless there's a miracle. Rosie is the 4th to die from the same cause with a 5th waiting, three different breeds, same source.
The only cure is a hysterectomy. But by the time we know for sure something is wrong, it's advanced-since we cant see inside the hen, it's impossible to know when it starts, exactly. And even then, who can or would, do hysterectomies on this many hens? All of these girls, as I said before, are the same age, from the same hatchery, which I will not name in this forum. If you need to know, PM me and I'll tell you, but I dont have any actual proof of why this has happened. However, the common denominators are their ages and the source of the birds.
Preventable? No. Not unless prevention means not getting anymore hatchery birds, and as I said, I'm have no real proof that the hatchery did anything wrong. However, I do myself believe this hormonal issue is caused by something in the breeder stock, feed they use or meds or genetics. All I know is that I have to deal with this happening to my older girls, one after another.

 

[Ellie]

I am sorry your poor Rosemary died, but at least she is not in pain and suffering. It is not an easy thing to do, the cutting and looking, but I am so grateful that you took pictures and shared for others to learn.

It's just not their natural cycle to lay and lay and lay. They, as all living things, need rest. Now she can....

 

[soonerdog]

Cynthia, thank you for sharing with us. I'm sorry!

 

[Laskaland]

May I please ask what the symptoms are that the girls are having troubles? Is it lack of laying, or can you tell by a change in behavior?
Thank you
Christina

 

[BeardedChick]

Did you try emailing the hatchery? It would be interesting to see what they say. You'd think it would be in their interest to solve such problems.

Poor Rosemary. RIP, sweet girl.

 

[Rusty Hills Farm]

Ah, the price the poor hens pay for that high production rate! I find it hard to believe that this tendency for internal laying is anything except genetic.

hugs.

 

[patandchickens]

I'd be astonished if it weren't at least partly genetic. Other factors may also affect the chances of it occurring, of course.

Big hug to Cyn,


Pat, having lost 2 of 3 ISA Browns to internal laying (ages 9 mo and 1.5 yrs) and I fear the remaining one is probably doin' it now too, although she is still happy enough.

 

[speckledhen]

Symptoms I've seen: first they start laying soft shelled eggs or just not quite their usual. Then they completely stop laying; at first they will go on the nests but leave without laying an egg, then later, they just stop going to the nests. After awhile, they stand around more, are less active. Then when I pick them up one day, they are suddenly emaciated. It's hard to tell under all the feathers unless you pick one up. They are still bright eyed with no respiratory issues, no obvious symtoms. They continue to eat and drink and roam, though they walk slowly like they're in pain. At that point, I begin to wonder how long they have.
This is why it pays to stay in close contact with the flock. Pick each one up from time to time just to inspect them.

Pat, I'm sorry you lost your girls. Nothing is more high production than a sexlink hen.

 

[sara]

Oh Cynthia, that is awful. The poor thing. I'm so sorry you lost another one.

 

[CarriBrown]

Oh Cyn..... I'm sorry you lost your sweet Rosemary.

Thank you for posting the pictures to educate the rest of us.