Sudden death with bloody eyes?

[Alexandra33]

Well, here I am, yet again....today I discovered my beautiful Nice only a couple minutes after death, face down in the snow. She was a perfectly healthy, spunky, vivacious bird who wanted nothing more than to spend a few minutes free-ranging in the cold, but ended up crumpling into a heap. I don't believe there were any seizures to speak of, given her position.

What baffles me most is how bloodshot red Nice's eyes looked, as well as the blood patches left on my hands after holding her head on either side. A search for open wounds in the facial region proved fruitless. Only thing discovered was the appearance of excessively fluid, crimson eyes. What on Earth would cause this?

~Alex

 

[alexa009]

Did you check the neck for any puncture wounds or bites? Poor bird!

 

[Alexandra33]

Did you check the neck for any puncture wounds or bites? Poor bird!

I didn't, sadly. Really should've. She was off on her own, separated from the flock, when death overtook her. All I can say is that it's doubtful Nice had been picked on, being one of the most aggressive, dominant girls in history. Also, I was nearby the moment this happened, with my back turned, which rules out a predator.

~Alex

 

[alexa009]

I didn't, sadly. Really should've. She was off on her own, separated from the flock, when death overtook her. All I can say is that it's doubtful Nice had been picked on, being one of the most aggressive, dominant girls in history. Also, I was nearby the moment this happened, with my back turned, which rules out a predator.

~Alex

I definitely suspected a predator. My production red hen looked and was postured exactly the same when she was killed by a possum. There was a little bloodshed on her face. It seems as if nice wasn't attacked by a nocturnal predator though. Were you outside with nice during this incident?

 

[Alexandra33]

I definitely suspected a predator. My production red hen looked and was postured exactly the same when she was killed by a possum. There was a little bloodshed on her face. It seems as if nice wasn't attacked by a nocturnal predator though. Were you outside with nice during this incident?

I'm so sorry for your loss....predators are maddening beyond words.

Yes, I was outside when she passed. Probably about 10 feet away. Had there been distress cries, I would've noticed. Also, no scattered feathers or blood, other than that originating from her eyes.

~Alex

 

[Rooster_Tyranny]

I have no clue where to even begin but I'm so sorry! I'm a brand new chicken owner and the thought going outside (let alone just turning around) and finding one of my birds dead is something I'm terrified off! At least she went fast, that thought always helps me when my animals die. Hope you figure it out!

 

[Alexandra33]

I have no clue where to even begin but I'm so sorry! I'm a brand new chicken owner and the thought going outside (let alone just turning around) and finding one of my birds dead is something I'm terrified off! At least she went fast, that thought always helps me when my animals die. Hope you figure it out!

Thank you so very much for the kindness contained in your message.

Unfortunately, as difficult as it is, this is all part of the poultry experience. We will lose birds here and there. But it'll be alright in the end. These things simply makes room in our hearts for new feathered friends.

My Nice certainly didn't suffer.

~Alex