Two Dead in Two Days...

[Michael Apple]

1) What type of bird , age and weight (does the chicken seem or feel lighter or thinner than the others.)-Hybrid (RIR) & EE. 2 & 3yrs old respectively.
2) What is the behavior, exactly.-DEAD, no external wounds.
3) How long has the bird been exhibiting symptoms?-seems to be sudden, no prior symptoms
4) Are other birds exhibiting the same symptoms?-no, however, the other girls are stressed out.
5) Is there any bleeding, injury, broken bones or other sign of trauma.-no
6) What happened, if anything that you know of, that may have caused the situation.-foamy water in waterer (one of those kind that are sealed by a screw on lid). Noticed algea in container as well. After the 1st one died, cleaned out container.
7) What has the bird been eating and drinking, if at all.-see above & regular chicken feed (feed store bought).
8) How does the poop look? Normal? Bloody? Runny? etc.normal
9) What has been the treatment you have administered so far?-DE, cleaned water.
10 ) What is your intent as far as treatment? For example, do you want to treat completely yourself, or do you need help in stabilizing the bird til you can get to a vet?-unsure of the cause
11) If you have a picture of the wound or condition, please post it. It may help.-Dead chicken, feet curled up.
12) Describe the housing/bedding in use-pine shavings in the run, custom build nesting boxes & coup for shade & laying eggs. Central Arizona.

Take a look at this and see if any of this could have been possible:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/781471/year-old-healthy-hens-suddenly-dying/10#post_11207744

In regard to protozoan/bacterial build-up in waterers, I disinfect waterers almost every day and scrub out any formed algae. Keeping waterers in shady areas prevents rapid formation of algae/bacteria. A well drained yard during the rainy season prevents a multitude of problems too.

 

[LoneStarChicks&Horses]

I have had 7 horses, 30+ chickens and 5 farm kitties for the past 15 years and I truly believe I have had virtually no disease or deaths because my animals get fresh clean water that is changed daily and some times more often if necessary. Every time I clean out the chicken waterer, I wipe out the biofilm that grows (just like the plaque on your teeth) and rinse the container and then refill. Stainless steel or metal containers grow biofilm much slower than plastic. Good luck!

 

[Michael Apple]

The problem with stainless/galvanized poultry waterers is that supplements corrode them. They don't last as long as plastic waterers. I use plastic. It is just important to keep them clean.

 

[BirdMan32]

Thank you everyone for your replies. After cleaning the waterers, my flock is stable with no further incidents.

 

[Michael Apple]

Thank you everyone for your replies. After cleaning the waterers, my flock is stable with no further incidents.

Glad to see that. Good luck to you and your flock.