Seemingly healthy hens mysteriously dying

[Jenaia Ward]

I wouldn't set lice and mites as a cause of death. Free ranging birds will dust bath when they feel they need to, no reason to provide it for them. Chickens have an amazing defensive mechanism at hiding sickness. Often times when they do show signs of something amidst, it's to late to do anything about it. People can add really anything they want here to include myself, but its all throwing darts in the dark. Only way you will know is to have a necropsy performed by a qualified vet for avian disease or your local agricultural extension. How is your water situation when they are alone all day? Is it provided and you know they have it throughout the period when you are working? Heat stress in chickens is insanely fatal and fast.

Thank you. Yes, they have PLENTY of water, and a couple of different areas to choose from. The weather has been nice, compared to the extreme heat in the summer. I'm sure deworming everyone wouldn't hurt, and I can treat the lice as well. All in all, it could be just a coincidence we've lost two like this? I'm praying we don't lose anymore.

 

[chickencheeper]

I wouldn't set lice and mites as a cause of death. Free ranging birds will dust bath when they feel they need to, no reason to provide it for them. Chickens have an amazing defensive mechanism at hiding sickness. Often times when they do show signs of something amidst, it's to late to do anything about it. People can add really anything they want here to include myself, but its all throwing darts in the dark. Only way you will know is to have a necropsy performed by a qualified vet for avian disease or your local agricultural extension. How is your water situation when they are alone all day? Is it provided and you know they have it throughout the period when you are working? Heat stress in chickens is insanely fatal and fast.

A necropsy is not the only way to diagnose them. Good old fashioned “detective” work and process of elimination works well to.

 

[Chullicken]

I didn't realize lice could kill them. Sheesh! I'll be inspecting everyone!!! I feel terrible now.

Lice will only kill them if its a severe infestation and left untreated. They have a toxin in their bite that poisons slowly. A lot of lice and its greatly accelerated. Should be monitored along with mites/worms as a routine regimen.

 

[Jenaia Ward]

Thank you all so very much for brainstorming and all of your advice! I think I'll treat the flock for the lice and deworm everyone this week. I'll post again here if I lose anymore, and will probably do my own necropsy to make sure all vital organs look healthy.

 

[Chullicken]

A necropsy is not the only way to diagnose them. Good old fashioned “detective” work and process of elimination works well to.

Sure, but when that fails or people are not all familiar with the vast book of avian disease and causes? There are a tremendous list of variables for seemingly simple issues which will not be discovered using 'good ol' fashioned' detective work.

 

[Chullicken]

Thank you all so very much for brainstorming and all of your advice! I think I'll treat the flock for the lice and deworm everyone this week. I'll post again here if I lose anymore, and will probably do my own necropsy to make sure all vital organs look healthy.

Awesome, hope you figure it out. Its tough on us loosing 'kids'. Please keep us updated if you find out any thing. Also, tons of how to videos around on worming, when and how often and what to use as well as pest control. Good luck with everything, wish you well.

 

[chickencheeper]

Sure, but when that fails or people are not all familiar with the vast book of avian disease and causes? There are a tremendous list of variables for seemingly simple issues which will not be discovered using 'good ol' fashioned' detective work.

Very true, most diseases can be diagnosed without necropsy but since this seems more complex and lesss common, a necropsy might be necessary.

 

[Chullicken]

Thank you. Yes, they have PLENTY of water, and a couple of different areas to choose from. The weather has been nice, compared to the extreme heat in the summer. I'm sure deworming everyone wouldn't hurt, and I can treat the lice as well. All in all, it could be just a coincidence we've lost two like this? I'm praying we don't lose anymore.

Fantastic, just eliminating things. Not sure its a coincidence, soooo many angles to chickens it will keep you up at night. I'd really start with that lice treatment as she stated..be a great start and that will eliminate one angle. I worried and slept better before I started raising chickens..now all I do is worry, do a lot of research and think.

 

[Chullicken]

Very true, most diseases can be diagnosed without necropsy but since this seems more complex and lesss common, a necropsy might be necessary.

Yeah, I agree with you on that. This stuff literally keeps me up at night pondering chickens and what caused what...its a volunteer insanity I swear it! lol You're points are very note worth though, its all good information.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

You said you live in Florida. Lice I can see as a big problem. Also keep an eye out for poisonous snakes. Earlier this year I almost had some pullets get bit by a snake. Snakes do go into coops, too. The lice is probably what the cause is, though.