Sudden Death

[HomeGardenGirl]

What could cause y 21week old cockerel to literally fall over dead?! Yesterday he was running around like normal & this AM he was dead on coop floor No injuries or any predator entry. We hatched him from one of our hen's and our rooster this spring! No recent flock changes/additions, no other birds with any problems. Will be taking him to animal lab for a post mortem first thing tomorrow when it opens.

 

[Melky]

Hard to say. The necropsy would hopefully provide answers. Sorry for the loss.

 

[Chicken-lovebirdchihuahua]

Probably some sort of disease birds are extremely good at hiding sickness because they are prey animals they don’t want predators to go for them (the sick ones)

 

[micstrachan]

It could be heart related. I believe I have read that heart problems in roosters can present as they mature.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I'm curious to know what the neocropsy says.

 

[Butterscotchbitesfinger]

How old is he???????

 

[animalyodelers]

I had the same thing happen to one of my pullets. There are so many viruses, bacteria, diseases and other medical issues that can cause a sudden death or decline in health.. it was terrifying trying to figure it all out!! In my case another pullet got sick and died relatively quickly and it was most likely coccidiosis. Hopefully the necropsy gives you some answers and peace of mind. In the meantime I would keep an eye on your flock just in case.

 

[Butterscotchbitesfinger]

If he is young then it is rather strange but if he is old then not quite as odd

 

[micstrachan]

I'm curious to know what the neocropsy says.

Me, too!

 

[HomeGardenGirl]

How old is he???????

About 5 months we hatched him this spring.