Sudden Death In Lethargic Hen...WHY????

[Queengoddess]

OK, so my one yr old Cochin hen had been very lethargic for two days (not moving around, sleeping a lot, not eating), but I just chocked it up to this brutal Georgia heat. Then, to my shock and extreme sadness (she was my favorite), on the third morning after this behavior began, she was dead in the coop.

There had been no other signs or symptoms of sickness other than the lethargy; I observe my flock very closely.

That was three days ago. Now another Cochin hen (much younger) has begun to act a bit lethargic. She is, however, still eating and drinking, so it might be paranoia on my part, but then again, it might not.

Anyone experienced anything similar or have any ideas what might have happened? Thanks in advance.

 

[CMV]

I always check for the obvious issues first- bugs, worms and wounds. Then because she is still young I would be looking at the possibility of cocci.

 

[Queengoddess]

SHe had no wounds. How does one go about checking for worms?

 

[dawg53]

Pick up your chickens and inspect them for lice/mites, especially check around their vent area. If you dont see any, consider worming them
with valbazen liquid cattle/sheep wormer or safeguard liquid goat wormer. Your cochin hen couldve been eggbound/impacted as well.