Two Suspicious Deaths

[mariljn64]

In the last week I've had two of my older hens die (by older, I mean 3 years old). They were not egg bound, but over the course of a few days they became a little sluggish, combs were pale, feathers dull, staying away from the rest of the flock. I tried giving them extra protein, since both seemed to be at the end of a molt. It has been EXTREMELY hot here even for Florida. I have been putting electrolytes (rooster booster) in their water and making sure water is in the shade. I also have fans running. I haven't noticed any suspicious looking poo from either of these hens. The first one I noticed standing under the coop one leg trembling before she died. I tried to help her, but nothing helped. All the other younger hens seem to be fine. I have several food sources around, since I have 25 (now 24) hens and several sources of water. No pocks on the combs, either. Any thoughts on what this might be? I know it doesn't give much to go on. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[coach723]

I'm very sorry for your losses.
It's very hard to say what happened. Reproductive problems (cancers, internal laying, salpingitis, EYP) are not uncommon after the age of two, that will usually present symptoms of abdominal bloating if it's advanced. Without a necropsy it's really just guessing. If you still have a body (fresh) you can refrigerate and send it for necropsy, or you can try doing an informal one yourself if you are up to it, that might identify obvious abnormalities. There are people here who are willing to look at pictures and help you out if needed. Sometimes necropsy is the only way that definite answers are gotten.
A cautionary note on electrolites - they can be a lifesaver in some cases. It's not a good idea to give them all the time as it can be too much sodium. Generally if necessary I will use for half the day and replace with plain fresh water for the rest of the day. And I wouldn't use them for more than a week at most. Here's more info:
https://www.raising-happy-chickens.com/electrolyte-drink.html
I tend to not put anything in the water unless absolutely necessary, with the heat and humidity we have I don't like to take the chance of putting them off the water because they don't like it. I tried ACV once and my birds did not like it at ALL. I'd rather they drink plenty of water so I pretty much just make sure it's clean and fresh.

 

[mariljn64]

Thank you so much for your response, and your sympathy. My ladies are pets and not just producers. Sigh. Thanks, also, for the electrolyte info. I have only been giving it in one bucket every other day. The other is nothing more than clean rain water.

I, also, appreciate the possible prognoses. I will investigate these. Unfortunately, I did not keep the birds for necropsy. Don't think I have the stomach or the heart to do it myself anyway. Sigh. Are any of the diseases you mentioned contagious? Should I discontinue selling my eggs? Thank you, so much, for all of your help.

 

[coach723]

No they are not contagious, and no reason to worry about your eggs.

 

[mariljn64]

Another hen has died. Same symptoms. However, this time I noticed a whitish mucus discharge from her vent. I wondered about coccidiosis, but there was no bloody stool in any of the hens and none of my younger hens have been affected. Not sure what to do.

 

[micstrachan]

If your flock is suddenly dying, you should look for a common denominator. Could the feed have gone moldy in your hot, humid conditions?
Are there any new members in the flock? Do they have access (like during free ranging) to any toxins?

 

[mariljn64]

No new members in the flock. I'm wondering if it is the water. I water them from our rain barrels. I'm going to clean them today. Going to clean all food containers, too, as well as the coop (with bleach), and disinfect everything. Thank you for your advice. It seems like the ones that are being affected are coming out of a molt, older, and lower on the pecking order. Baffles me. Sigh. Thanks again.

 

[micstrachan]

Yes, it could be the water. It could also be a poplulation of coccidosis exploding in the damp heat.

 

[mariljn64]

Yes, it could be the water. It could also be a poplulation of coccidosis exploding in the damp heat.

Well, I started giving the sick hen water infused with activated charcoal yesterday by syringe. I gave 5cc every two hours. I had her in quarantine with lots of fresh water. By evening she started to perk up and this morning she was back to her normal self. Had to be toxins. Thank you all for your input on this. It was a tremendous help.

 

[coach723]

I'm glad she's doing better and hopefully you've figured it out. Curious, where the water in your rain barrels is collected from? I considered using them several years ago, but decided not to due to having asphalt shingles and concern about toxins leaching from them. Just curious.