I'm very concerned. I have around 50 hens and keep a clean nice size coop. My hens are farm raised and have all the great grass and bugs to eat. I have never encounterd this problem in 5 years. 2 hens dying in one week. The first hen that I noticed was in the morning soon after I let them out of the barn. Labored breathing and weak. I tried to give her water I also turned her upside down in my arms to see if I could get her to react. Within an hour her head tremored and she died that quickly. I examined my flock and they seem to be fine no respitory , or skin problems . Some of their droppings are very dark but do not have an odor. /today I noticed a 1 year easter egger laying on its side dead. It's body was totally stiff neck and legs. One eye was open, the other closed. I dont know what is wrong. I'm wondering if they are eating any poison that possibly someone maybe threw on my grass I dont know just very concerned over this matter . Remember 50 hens that's alot to be concerned about.
Unfortunately I have had the exact same problem. No stiffness in my 2 girls that died. One we found in her nest box dead after about 1-2 days of seeming somewhat broody, and the one that passed last night was tucked in the corner of the coop after about 3-4 days of wondering off by herself. I just thought she was perhaps a loner, liked to wander around in her own world. The loss of the second hen really shocked me. I read that chickens will go off by themselves if they are sick, or the flock will chase them away. We have 34 chickens, and my daughter loves every single one of them. It is difficult for other people to realize how much these "mere chickens" come to mean to us. So, like Rockmaster, if any one has any ideas, or solutions, I would appreciate the help as well! Rockmaster-I hope you find the answers!
could be oe of many things. If either of you notice another one looking that way. Take it to you local state poultry lab. They can test it and determine what is going on...aside from that anything else will just be a guess. It is best to take ones that are still alive but on deaths door, however they can some time determine the cause on dead ones. Good luck to both of you.
