Sudden death - 2 girls in about 2 weeks

[Jess718]

Hi all- I have a group of now 15 girls and I’m the last couple of weeks have had two die suddenly.

The first (buff Orpington) was over four years old and had survived an attack from a dog about eight months ago, so I assumed natural causes. The second (Easter egger) was today, but she was only two years old. I didn’t notice anything strange before. I looked her over but I have no idea what I’m looking for. Everything looked okay around her vent but honestly her body felt stiff, and I didn’t poke or prod too much. No signs of any intruders. The girls have their coop, run area, and a Chunnel that connects to an additional run area. I found her in there. So it would have been in the last two daysish because I don’t always walk to that side of the yard when I go outside.

Everyone (that I can tell) has been laying consistently. No one is acting ill. Everyone is running to me when I go out and give treats- no one seems lethargic, etc.

What should I keep looking for in the coming days/weeks. Is there something I should give them or do for them?

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[Laurasb65]

Sorry for your loss. So hard so say it could be so many things. Unless you have a necropsy.

 

[Jess718]

This is just my first time losing a chicken to something other than a crazy hawk attack. I am worried about sickness of course.

The girl that was her best bud looks a little ragged and her comb is folded over but honestly she always kinda looks like she’s scary Barbie. She is acting normal and eating so I’m not sure if I should isolate her just in case. I can post a pic of her.