Two dead hens

[FlyboyStinson]

I’m three month new chicken hobby guy, 9 hens approx three years old and all are well fed and watered……under huge shade trees and very content .
Three days ago I found a Plymouth Rock dead outside the coop in a fenced run 60X60, today another one lying beside the coop, dead.
No sign of anything suspicious that an amateur could find.
Haven’t seen a Hawk around my yard but they are a few in surrounding farmer’s fields some hundreds of yards away.
I had noticed that each of these hens hung back in the coop when I opened the door in the morning and did not run out with the rest of them.
We’ve only been in the lower 90s in Alabama……they get watermelon every day and fermented wet feed, as well as finely ground oyster shell and dried black fly larvae. (occasionally table scraps)
Any suggestions !?!
Flyboy Stinson

 

[TJAnonymous]

I'm so sorry for your loss... Always sad and concerning when you can't pinpoint reasons why...

Did you see any wounds on the bodies? If so, can you please describe?

If no wounds, you can likely rule out a predator. Next focus would be on the condition of the hen.

Does her crop feel full? Any weight loss? If they were losing weight, their breast bone will feel very prominent.

What does her comb look like? Any discoloration?

Do you treat for worms? Have you noticed any worms in their poop?

Have they seemed lethargic? Keeping their distance from the flock? Moving slowly?

Can you feel her belly? Do you feel any hard lumps? Notice anything around her vent? Diarrhea?

 

[Eggcessive]

Did you see any marks on the hens after they died? Do they have a lot of shade, multiple watering sites, and good ventilation? I put out shallow pans of shaded water for chicken to stand in and cool off during hot weather. They will also drink some of it. In hot weather dehydration can be common. If hens are overweight, some breeds may not do well in heat. The best way to know what killed a chicken is to get the body to your state vet for a necropsy. Keep it cool until you can take it in or ship overnight. Sorry for your loss.

 

[FlyboyStinson]

I'm so sorry for your loss... Always sad and concerning when you can't pinpoint reasons why...

Did you see any wounds on the bodies? If so, can you please describe?

If no wounds, you can likely rule out a predator. Next focus would be on the condition of the hen.

Does her crop feel full? Any weight loss? If they were losing weight, their breast bone will feel very prominent.

What does her comb look like? Any discoloration?

Do you treat for worms? Have you noticed any worms in their poop?

Have they seemed lethargic? Keeping their distance from the flock? Moving slowly?

Can you feel her belly? Do you feel any hard lumps? Notice anything around her vent? Diarrhea?

None of the above except for holding back at the release at daybreak like they didn’t feel good……..I’ll try to be more watchful and notice the symptoms in the future!
Thanks for your pointers,
Flyboy Stinson