Sudden death

[Newtochickens5]

Yesterday afternoon 2 of my hens died. 5.5 months old and they were fine on Sunday. It has been very hot here (East Texas) and I was wondering if that might have been the cause. They have a shaded area that has great ventilation and I change their water daily. They also have a secure run area that they can access in the afternoon. Please help! I feel like such a bad chicken mom!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. The extreme heat could have been a contributing factor. These links may be useful…

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/788391/keeping-chickens-cool-in-summer-heat

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/topic-of-the-week-keeping-chickens-cool-in-summer.1181934/

 

[N F C]

Hello, sorry for your losses. Extreme heat can cause chickens to over heat. @Pork Pie has given you a couple of great links to check out. Try not to beat yourself up, losses happen and figuring out what to do is the best thing you can take away from the experience.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC, and good luck in determining what caused your losses.

 

[Tclloyd0812]

Welcome to BYC!

I'm so sorry for your loss, it seems the heat may have gotten to them. If there weren't any signs of sickness it points more to the hot conditions, I would make sure the others in your flock are staying cool to prevent losing any more. Again, sorry for your loss.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Over heating can certainly kill a chicken. Were they panting and holding their wings away from their bodies when you saw them alive?

 

[Grammy60]

Hello and welcome to BYC We are happy you have joined our community. Best of luck figuring out what happened and so sorry

 

[swampfox440]

Welcome to BYC ! Good luck finding out what killed them .

 

[drumstick diva]

You might try "misting hoses," they help cool down the immediate area - you can also freeze gallon bottles of water and leave them outside, so the birds can cool off by standing near them.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC! I'm so sorry about your hens.