Two of my chickens are dying suddenly

[Wyorp Rock]

They have a heat lamp in the coop to stay warm, and was fine up until a few days ago, a couple days after the temps started changing. I noticed two of my girls just standing fluffed up, that night not able to get in coop, and they would stand or lay with eyes closed as though they was sleeping. They could open their eyes, but very sleepy eyed. With in 24 I have had to bring them in. They cannot move or sit up on their own, and one has wiry neck and their eyes are puffy and closed. They can open them but then close them back.

I have given them water with a syringe, they cannot drink on their own, I have given them nutradrench vitamins as well, I have never seen anything like this in my flock.

Please post photos of both of them (the whole bird) and both sides of the face/head.

The one in the photo below has abrasions and some bruising on the side of the head. Looks like she may have been kicked in the head by another bird or rooster.

What does the inside of the beak look like?
How much space is in your coop/run (sq ft of each)?
Are they all being kept inside or do they have access to a run/free roam?
Do you have a rooster - how many?
How many birds in 1 coop?
Photos of housing may be helpful.

Any lice/mites?

Work on hydration. Give them drops of sugar water (1tsp per 1cup water).

Look her and the other over for more abrasions or bruising.

 

[Jeff_Stone]

Thank you for the added details—it helps to get a clearer picture of the situation.

I’m so sorry for what you’re going through with your flock.

Going over your situation again, likely causes...Marek's Disease. The classic signs you mentioned—fluffing up, lethargy, and losing control of the neck—can occur with Marek's in some forms (neurological or visceral). However, Marek’s usually progresses over a longer period than just 48 hours.

Botulism is still possible. Rapid onset of symptoms, such as losing neck control (also called "limber neck") and not being able to move, could indicate botulism, which is caused by toxins from decaying organic matter (like spoiled feed, wet scratch, or a hidden carcass).

Check for wet or moldy feed, or areas where they might have ingested contaminated material.

Then back to cold stress or secondary Illness. The sudden drop in temperature could have made them susceptible to infections like mycoplasma gallisepticum or infectious coryza.

These often present with symptoms like puffed-up feathers, lethargy, and sometimes respiratory signs (though not always).

Cold stress combined with any underlying condition (like latent Marek’s) can cause sudden, severe illness.

We might also think about toxins or poisoning. If they were exposed to something toxic (e.g., pesticides, rat bait, or certain plants), it could explain the quick decline.

Try to rule out access to anything harmful in their environment.

Steps to take straight away:

1. Supportive Care for the Sick Hen. Continue Nutri-Drench and hydration with a syringe. Adding electrolytes to the water (or making your own with water, sugar, and itsy bit of salt) can help restore energy.

Try offering scrambled eggs or wet mash made with their layer feed for easy digestion.

If her neck control worsens, gently support her head when feeding or hydrating to prevent choking.

2. Quarantine and Observe the Others. Keep the sick bird isolated to prevent potential spread.

Watch the rest of the flock closely for early signs of illness, like puffed-up feathers, lethargy, or standing apart from the group.

3. Disinfect.

Thoroughly clean the coop and feeders/waterers. Remove any spoiled feed, wet scratch, or areas where toxins could accumulate.

4. Monitor for Botulism.

Look around for possible sources of botulism, like decayed organic matter or moldy food.

If you suspect botulism, you can try flushing their system with a molasses flush:

Mix 1 cup of molasses in 1 gallon of water and let them drink it (or syringe it gently if they can't drink on their own).

5. Consider Treatment for Respiratory Illness

While it’s hard to know for sure if this is a respiratory issue without other symptoms (like wheezing or discharge), a broad-spectrum antibiotic like Tylan 50 (injectable or water-soluble) could help if you suspect a bacterial infection.

Next Steps for the Flock

Consider Vaccination for Flocks

It’s excellent that your new flock is vaccinated. This will help reduce future losses from Marek's. Consider only adding vaccinated birds moving forward.
Sad part, but consider Necropsy if Possible.

If the sick hen doesn’t make it, (and I hope she does), a necropsy can provide valuable answers about whether Marek’s, botulism, or another illness is at play.

You could try contacting your local agricultural extension office or vet for guidance.

Given the quick decline and the combination of symptoms, botulism or stress-triggered Marek’s seem like the most likely culprits.

The best approach right now is supportive care for the sick bird, while focusing on prevention for the rest of the flock.

Sorry for how long that was. Wanted to be thorough. Hoping for the best for you and your girls!

 

[Jeff_Stone]

Thank you, and it is very challenging, it has been so heartbreaking loosing my flock throughout this year. I am hoping some will survive and but only time will tell. I am using terramycin ointment on the eyes, and my new chicks are in their own coop on the other side of my property and vaccinated. She does drink the water as well. I am starting to wonder if it could possibly be the cold stress as well because that is when this started. I just don't know, but I am doing all I can and I appreciate the advice.

You’re doing everything you can, and that speaks worlds about how much you care for your flock. It’s clear they’re lucky to have someone so attentive and dedicated looking after them, especially during such a heartbreaking time. It’s hard not knowing exactly what’s wrong, but you’re taking all the right steps—isolating the sick birds, giving supportive care, and ensuring your new chicks are vaccinated.

Yes. Cold stress can definitely play a role, and unfortunately, these situations are often a mix of factors beyond our control. What matters most is that you’re giving them the best chance possible with your care and attention. Please know you’re not alone in this, and many of us understand how challenging and emotional it is to face these kinds of losses. Keep holding on to the hope. I am sure we are all with you at this time.

 

[Meshella]

Please post photos of both of them (the whole bird) and both sides of the face/head.

The one in the photo below has abrasions and some bruising on the side of the head. Looks like she may have been kicked in the head by another bird or rooster.

What does the inside of the beak look like?
How much space is in your coop/run (sq ft of each)?
Are they all being kept inside or do they have access to a run/free roam?
Do you have a rooster - how many?
How many birds in 1 coop?
Photos of housing may be helpful.

Any lice/mites?

Work on hydration. Give them drops of sugar water (1tsp per 1cup water).

Look her and the other over for more abrasions or bruising.



View attachment 4024008

I don't have a rooster, but before I could get her isolated the other hens was pecking her, I have seen that happen when a chicken is sick, but she was promptly removed from the coop. They have plenty of space in their coop and a large run area, they do not free range because I live in a neighborhood. I will have to take another picture, I did a close up to see the puffy eyes.

 

[Meshella]

Thank you for the added details—it helps to get a clearer picture of the situation.

I’m so sorry for what you’re going through with your flock.

Going over your situation again, likely causes...Marek's Disease. The classic signs you mentioned—fluffing up, lethargy, and losing control of the neck—can occur with Marek's in some forms (neurological or visceral). However, Marek’s usually progresses over a longer period than just 48 hours.

Botulism is still possible. Rapid onset of symptoms, such as losing neck control (also called "limber neck") and not being able to move, could indicate botulism, which is caused by toxins from decaying organic matter (like spoiled feed, wet scratch, or a hidden carcass).

Check for wet or moldy feed, or areas where they might have ingested contaminated material.

Then back to cold stress or secondary Illness. The sudden drop in temperature could have made them susceptible to infections like mycoplasma gallisepticum or infectious coryza.

These often present with symptoms like puffed-up feathers, lethargy, and sometimes respiratory signs (though not always).

Cold stress combined with any underlying condition (like latent Marek’s) can cause sudden, severe illness.

We might also think about toxins or poisoning. If they were exposed to something toxic (e.g., pesticides, rat bait, or certain plants), it could explain the quick decline.

Try to rule out access to anything harmful in their environment.

Steps to take straight away:

1. Supportive Care for the Sick Hen. Continue Nutri-Drench and hydration with a syringe. Adding electrolytes to the water (or making your own with water, sugar, and itsy bit of salt) can help restore energy.

Try offering scrambled eggs or wet mash made with their layer feed for easy digestion.

If her neck control worsens, gently support her head when feeding or hydrating to prevent choking.

2. Quarantine and Observe the Others. Keep the sick bird isolated to prevent potential spread.

Watch the rest of the flock closely for early signs of illness, like puffed-up feathers, lethargy, or standing apart from the group.

3. Disinfect.

Thoroughly clean the coop and feeders/waterers. Remove any spoiled feed, wet scratch, or areas where toxins could accumulate.

4. Monitor for Botulism.

Look around for possible sources of botulism, like decayed organic matter or moldy food.

If you suspect botulism, you can try flushing their system with a molasses flush:

Mix 1 cup of molasses in 1 gallon of water and let them drink it (or syringe it gently if they can't drink on their own).

5. Consider Treatment for Respiratory Illness

While it’s hard to know for sure if this is a respiratory issue without other symptoms (like wheezing or discharge), a broad-spectrum antibiotic like Tylan 50 (injectable or water-soluble) could help if you suspect a bacterial infection.

Next Steps for the Flock

Consider Vaccination for Flocks

It’s excellent that your new flock is vaccinated. This will help reduce future losses from Marek's. Consider only adding vaccinated birds moving forward.
Sad part, but consider Necropsy if Possible.

If the sick hen doesn’t make it, (and I hope she does), a necropsy can provide valuable answers about whether Marek’s, botulism, or another illness is at play.

You could try contacting your local agricultural extension office or vet for guidance.

Given the quick decline and the combination of symptoms, botulism or stress-triggered Marek’s seem like the most likely culprits.

The best approach right now is supportive care for the sick bird, while focusing on prevention for the rest of the flock.

Sorry for how long that was. Wanted to be thorough. Hoping for the best for you and your girls!

Thank you for this information, the outbreak of the Mereks was the beginning of the year of 2024, I was told I could terminate my entire flock and start over, but I also read some can build a immunity to it and only be carriers and survive, I love my girls so I wanted to give them a chance to fight Merek's. I have lost most of this flock, having only 12 girls now with loosing one today and my other hanging on. I know sometimes it takes time for it to run its course and kill them, but I was hoping they was pass the danger zone, but maybe not. I will check their feeders. I use the grandpa feeder which has been wonderful with saving feed and them getting more in their bellies than on the ground. I will however check and make sure nothing is bad from the rain we had a week ago. It is supposed to protect the feed from rain and rodents and such, but things can happen so I will double check. I could get that antibiotic just to make sure I have covered all I know. I don't see any mites, usually you can see them on the eggs if you have an infestation of them, but I will double check that too.

 

[Jeff_Stone]

Thank you for this information, the outbreak of the Mereks was the beginning of the year of 2024, I was told I could terminate my entire flock and start over, but I also read some can build a immunity to it and only be carriers and survive, I love my girls so I wanted to give them a chance to fight Merek's. I have lost most of this flock, having only 12 girls now with loosing one today and my other hanging on. I know sometimes it takes time for it to run its course and kill them, but I was hoping they was pass the danger zone, but maybe not. I will check their feeders. I use the grandpa feeder which has been wonderful with saving feed and them getting more in their bellies than on the ground. I will however check and make sure nothing is bad from the rain we had a week ago. It is supposed to protect the feed from rain and rodents and such, but things can happen so I will double check. I could get that antibiotic just to make sure I have covered all I know. I don't see any mites, usually you can see them on the eggs if you have an infestation of them, but I will double check that too.

It’s clear how much you care about your girls, and your dedication to giving them a fighting chance speaks so much about the kind of person you are.

Mareks can be such a heartbreaking disease to deal with, and I can only imagine how challenging it’s been for you to navigate this over the past year.

It's always tough to lose some flock members. Pets in general. So I hope you can also find time to take care of yourself too.

It’s a good idea to double-check the feeders, especially after rain—even the best systems can sometimes let moisture sneak in.

And having the antibiotic on hand isn’t a bad idea, just in case it turns out to be something treatable.

As for mites, it sounds like you’re already vigilant, but a double check never hurts.

I hope the rest of your flock stays healthy and strong, and that your remaining girl pulls through. You’ve done everything you can, and your love for them shines through in how much effort you’re putting into their care.

Hang in there, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need more advice or just a listening ear. We're all rooting for you.

 

[Meshella]

Thank you for the added details—it helps to get a clearer picture of the situation.

I’m so sorry for what you’re going through with your flock.

Going over your situation again, likely causes...Marek's Disease. The classic signs you mentioned—fluffing up, lethargy, and losing control of the neck—can occur with Marek's in some forms (neurological or visceral). However, Marek’s usually progresses over a longer period than just 48 hours.

Botulism is still possible. Rapid onset of symptoms, such as losing neck control (also called "limber neck") and not being able to move, could indicate botulism, which is caused by toxins from decaying organic matter (like spoiled feed, wet scratch, or a hidden carcass).

Check for wet or moldy feed, or areas where they might have ingested contaminated material.

Then back to cold stress or secondary Illness. The sudden drop in temperature could have made them susceptible to infections like mycoplasma gallisepticum or infectious coryza.

These often present with symptoms like puffed-up feathers, lethargy, and sometimes respiratory signs (though not always).

Cold stress combined with any underlying condition (like latent Marek’s) can cause sudden, severe illness.

We might also think about toxins or poisoning. If they were exposed to something toxic (e.g., pesticides, rat bait, or certain plants), it could explain the quick decline.

Try to rule out access to anything harmful in their environment.

Steps to take straight away:

1. Supportive Care for the Sick Hen. Continue Nutri-Drench and hydration with a syringe. Adding electrolytes to the water (or making your own with water, sugar, and itsy bit of salt) can help restore energy.

Try offering scrambled eggs or wet mash made with their layer feed for easy digestion.

If her neck control worsens, gently support her head when feeding or hydrating to prevent choking.

2. Quarantine and Observe the Others. Keep the sick bird isolated to prevent potential spread.

Watch the rest of the flock closely for early signs of illness, like puffed-up feathers, lethargy, or standing apart from the group.

3. Disinfect.

Thoroughly clean the coop and feeders/waterers. Remove any spoiled feed, wet scratch, or areas where toxins could accumulate.

4. Monitor for Botulism.

Look around for possible sources of botulism, like decayed organic matter or moldy food.

If you suspect botulism, you can try flushing their system with a molasses flush:

Mix 1 cup of molasses in 1 gallon of water and let them drink it (or syringe it gently if they can't drink on their own).

5. Consider Treatment for Respiratory Illness

While it’s hard to know for sure if this is a respiratory issue without other symptoms (like wheezing or discharge), a broad-spectrum antibiotic like Tylan 50 (injectable or water-soluble) could help if you suspect a bacterial infection.

Next Steps for the Flock

Consider Vaccination for Flocks

It’s excellent that your new flock is vaccinated. This will help reduce future losses from Marek's. Consider only adding vaccinated birds moving forward.
Sad part, but consider Necropsy if Possible.

If the sick hen doesn’t make it, (and I hope she does), a necropsy can provide valuable answers about whether Marek’s, botulism, or another illness is at play.

You could try contacting your local agricultural extension office or vet for guidance.

Given the quick decline and the combination of symptoms, botulism or stress-triggered Marek’s seem like the most likely culprits.

The best approach right now is supportive care for the sick bird, while focusing on prevention for the rest of the flock.

Sorry for how long that was. Wanted to be thorough. Hoping for the best for you and your girls!

Thank you so much.

It’s clear how much you care about your girls, and your dedication to giving them a fighting chance speaks so much about the kind of person you are.

Mareks can be such a heartbreaking disease to deal with, and I can only imagine how challenging it’s been for you to navigate this over the past year.

It's always tough to lose some flock members. Pets in general. So I hope you can also find time to take care of yourself too.

It’s a good idea to double-check the feeders, especially after rain—even the best systems can sometimes let moisture sneak in.

And having the antibiotic on hand isn’t a bad idea, just in case it turns out to be something treatable.

As for mites, it sounds like you’re already vigilant, but a double check never hurts.

I hope the rest of your flock stays healthy and strong, and that your remaining girl pulls through. You’ve done everything you can, and your love for them shines through in how much effort you’re putting into their care.

Hang in there, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need more advice or just a listening ear. We're all rooting for you.

Thank you for your kind words, and advice. I pray Ellie May pulls through, and I am gonna get some molasses and vitamin E as well to see if that helps just in case. Could be the Merek's but I am doing all I can for her. I think baby chicks should all be vaccinated automatically as terrible and contagious as Merek's is, flocI had no idea being a new chicken momma over a year ago but I am learning.

 

[2ndTink]

Mareks can cause cancers, so it would be possible that they have developed lymphoma or tumors and the cold might have been more than they could handle.

But the bruising is interesting.

 

[Meshella]

Mareks can cause cancers, so it would be possible that they have developed lymphoma or tumors and the cold might have been more than they could handle.

But the bruising is interesting.

It very well could be the Mereks but I’m not sure what you mean by bruising, she is in my garage which is attached to my home with the addition of a heat lamp for additional warmth. It could be the dim lighting and shadows causing that, or either where the other chickens pecked at her. She is still holding on this morning but no improvement yet. I appreciate all the advice from everyone. I’m praying my sweet girl pulls through this, but if it is Mereks it’s only a matter of time no matter what I do. It breaks my heart. I don’t understand why chicks are not automatically vaccinated from such a horrible thing. Not everyone looks at their chickens as just live stock, some of us love them as their pets too, you give them love and care, and they give you love and eggs.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

It very well could be the Mereks but I’m not sure what you mean by bruising, she is in my garage which is attached to my home with the addition of a heat lamp for additional warmth. It could be the dim lighting and shadows causing that, or either where the other chickens pecked at her. She is still holding on this morning but no improvement yet. I appreciate all the advice from everyone. I’m praying my sweet girl pulls through this, but if it is Mereks it’s only a matter of time no matter what I do. It breaks my heart. I don’t understand why chicks are not automatically vaccinated from such a horrible thing. Not everyone looks at their chickens as just live stock, some of us love them as their pets too, you give them love and care, and they give you love and eggs.

Do you have updated, clear well-lit photos of her and her poop?

Work on getting drops of sugar water into her.

Not everyone wants vaccinated birds. The Marek's Vaccine only help lessen the chance of tumor formation, it does not stop infection from the Virus, so even if vaccinated, you can end up with birds presenting with symptoms and dying.