Just trying to figure out what happened. I have a mixed flock, cockerell and 7 (now 6) pullets. One was an RIR. Yesterday she was doing all the chicken things, this morning she was in a nesting box when I came out before I started work. No problems, she looked and acted normal.
When I came out after work, she was dead in the coop. The other chickens weren't acting skittish like they do if a predator (usually a snake) has gotten into the coop, and in fact when I went in and found her one of the others was laying an egg, totally unconcerned.
I know snakes will try to swallow a chick, starting with the head, but that would be one massive snake, to try to eat a 7 pound chicken.
No sign of parasites, but I don't know what I'm looking for, either. Muscles were firm and rounded, so I don't think she was hungry.
No visible injuries or blood.
I buried her, but it's bothering me. She hasn't been lethargic or acting sick. The only thing I can think of is some kind of injury. SCDS?
When I came out after work, she was dead in the coop. The other chickens weren't acting skittish like they do if a predator (usually a snake) has gotten into the coop, and in fact when I went in and found her one of the others was laying an egg, totally unconcerned.
I know snakes will try to swallow a chick, starting with the head, but that would be one massive snake, to try to eat a 7 pound chicken.
No sign of parasites, but I don't know what I'm looking for, either. Muscles were firm and rounded, so I don't think she was hungry.
No visible injuries or blood.
I buried her, but it's bothering me. She hasn't been lethargic or acting sick. The only thing I can think of is some kind of injury. SCDS?