Sad news and need some advise

[Zahra101]

Earlier today my lil Rooster suddenly died. He seemed fine, he came to me and I picked him up and put him on my lap. I heard a gurgle in his chest and suddenly some fluid started coming out of his mouth and his head went limp. I tried to open his throat and tilted him forward and more liquid came out. And he just closed his eyes. I just could not revive him. It’s been devestating. We now have one lil hen, the two of them were inseparable and they really looked after each other. she seems ok but we are worried for her well being. Should we get her a male companion or a female? Should we get some younger chicks? She is 7 months old and just a sweetie.she loves cuddles and is really vocal when she wants something. We are still so sad over our loss but we don’t want our her to suffer. Any advise would really help.

 

[chuckachucka]

Im sorry for your loss.
I would guess it was a heart attack. It can happen to young cockerels and there is nothing you could have done. I would suggest getting a similar aged pullet or two for her. She might not take to another rooster so soon after losing her mate.

 

[azygous]

I'm so sorry you lost the little roo. Your hen and the roo were probably as close as they were because they were brooded together and had a lifelong bond. That cannot be duplicated. Any new hen or rooster will be a complete stranger and it will take time for them to adjust to each other.

But it would be good to get another chicken because your hen will feel so much more secure knowing she's not alone, even if she isn't as close to the new chicken.

I recommend getting another pullet or hen. Roosters have more unpredictable temperaments and that could also present a problem for your relationship to the rooster.

 

[Zahra101]

Im sorry for your loss.
I would guess it was a heart attack. It can happen to young cockerels and there is nothing you could have done. I would suggest getting a similar aged pullet or two for her. She might not take to another rooster so soon after losing her mate.

Thank you so much, I still have tears in my eyes! She spent the day in the house with me making lunch and watermelon juice. My husband is ready to bring home some chicks but I’ll surely look for one the same age. Thank you so much

 

[Zahra101]

I'm so sorry you lost the little roo. Your hen and the roo were probably as close as they were because they were brooded together and had a lifelong bond. That cannot be duplicated. Any new hen or rooster will be a complete stranger and it will take time for them to adjust to each other.

But it would be good to get another chicken because your hen will feel so much more secure knowing she's not alone, even if she isn't as close to the new chicken.

I recommend getting another pullet or hen. Roosters have more unpredictable temperaments and that could also present a problem for your relationship to the rooster.

 

[abraga]

Humm...sounds like he aspirated when fluid came up.that will kill them immediately. He may have just drank a bunch of water and when u were holding him it came back up...or..he could have had a bit if sour crop/impactation that lead to aspiration. Sorry for your loss. I have 40+...raised them all from eggs...ive had chicks aspirate on water...sour crop..impactions...goes with the territory..however...every time I lose one..its heartbreaking. When a bird aspirates..it basically gets water in the lungs and drowns. Death is very quick...or they will hang in a few days and succumb to pneumnia..which is more painful.

 

[Zahra101]

Thank you so much for your reply. Yes they were raised together from 6 days old. I still can’t believe he’s gone! miss him so much. We are taking our lil girl over to a breeder to pick her a friend. Didn’t want to leave her at home alone. Here is a picture of the two of them on the beach last week. Njembe was the roo who passed today and bunny is our hen. Rest In Peace lil boy.

 

[Zahra101]

Humm...sounds like he aspirated when fluid came up.that will kill them immediately. He may have just drank a bunch of water and when u were holding him it came back up...or..he could have had a bit if sour crop/impactation that lead to aspiration. Sorry for your loss. I have 40+...raised them all from eggs...ive had chicks aspirate on water...sour crop..impactions...goes with the territory..however...every time I lose one..its heartbreaking. When a bird aspirates..it basically gets water in the lungs and drowns. Death is very quick...or they will hang in a few days and succumb to pneumnia..which is more painful.

 

[Zahra101]

It was very hard to watch him go lifeless in my hands. It definitely seemed like he drowned. Fluid came pouring out once his head went limp. He was gone so fast. I really just miss his lil face. thank you so much for your comment. I feel better understanding how and why he passed so quickly. I wish you the best luck in raising your flock.

 

[azygous]

I love that beach photo! It looks like a paradise. Where was the photo taken?