Seven dead hens within 4 hours, not attacked. UPDATE: Teflon Poisoning!

[Stayc]

I would say the only certain explanation would come from a necropcy.

 

[AaronandAlice]

X2

floor space is about 32 sq ft and the ceiling slopes from 6 ft at front to about 5 feet at back interior height. I had 12 birds. Their door was open today. I'm not sure even a vent could prevent frost in our weather- we just got snow yesterday and today.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Where are you located, sorry if I missed that info.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Neat Fact
It has been claimed that weasels suck the blood out of their prey. They do not, but their habit of licking the blood from the wounds and fur of animals they have killed may have led to this belief.

http://wildlifeofct.com/short-tailed weasel and long-tailed weasel.html
Adding it as a link http://wildlifeofct.com/short-tailed weasel and long-tailed weasel.html

A search of multiple reliable sources will state the same thing only blogs and those sites with misinformation will keep the myth of vampiracal weasels floating around.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Forgot to add, the weasels jaw prevents them from being able to suck blood. I can site a source on that, but will have to later as it is time for me to say goodnight.

 

[21hens-incharge]

A bit tight for 12 birds but I doubt that or the moisture were the cause.

I think a necropsy is in order but want to bring in some more experienced folks too.

@aart @casportpony @Wyorp Rock

Can you lend your expertise in here?

 

[AaronandAlice]

Do those windows open? If so you need to open one or two to let the wet out.

How far from the heat lamp were your birds huddled on the floor?
What kind of bedding did you put in?
Have you used the stuff you put under it before?


Were any of them breathing oddly? Rattling sound while breathing? Sneezing? Coughing? Nasal discharge?

They were about 8-10 feet from it. I always buy the pine shavings for their bedding- but I haven't used the coop and compost before. Nothing at all odd about them or their behavior.

 

[AaronandAlice]

Where are you located, sorry if I missed that info.

Maine

 

[Ruralhideaway]

That product seems to just be zeolite. Same as sweetpzd. Essentially harmless.

 

[BYC910]

I'm sorry for your lose .You need to necropsy one of them . Do you have a vet that will do that for you? If you can't find any puncture marks or tracks I would .What is your deworming program? What has water consumption been like . Fifteen chickens should be downing a gallon a day . Or close to it . There many viruses that the first symptom is death . If you care for your chickens like you've built their coop and run . Well then they could have a chicken killing disease. Good luck . hope you figure it out .