sudden death

[Elegant Chick]

My black australorp, Annie, died last night. She looks perfectly healthy and fat. Her feathers are beautiful green/black. I noticed her wattles looked pale yesterday and her beak was open. She didn't approach when I threw out treats. Does anyone know what might have happened? This is my first loss. ): She was 3 years old.

The other 4 hens seem to be fine. They are all eating and scratching around like normal.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Sometimes birds just die one night. I generally assume it was a heart attack. Sorry you lost her.

Was your hen actually fat or just a term you used, as chickens being fat isn't good for them and does cause all kinds of internal problems.

 

[Elegant Chick]

Sometimes birds just die one night. I generally assume it was a heart attack. Sorry you lost her.

Was your hen actually fat or just a term you used, as chickens being fat isn't good for them and does cause all kinds of internal problems.

She wasn't overweight, just plump and healthy looking. It's been really hot here the last couple of days with heat index of 105. I've been putting ice in their water container.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Heat can be quite stressful and hard on them, so it could have contributed to an existing problem. Do your best to keep them cooler, that's about all you can do.