Unclear cause of death

[CHlCKEN]

Well I considered it but since the rest of my flock is completely fine I didn't think it was worth spending the money. After finding out something else, I'm second guessing that decision. The reason I'd gone out there in the first place was because someone I live with told me there'd been an abnormal squabble that had gotten the attention of my dog. They didn't mention until after I'd already buried her in the woods that they'd also heard a repetitive banging sound right before. My bird was dead against the coop door and if she'd seized in that spot, she would have knocked into it several times and made that banging sound. That noise and a seizure would completely explain why my other birds had started to panic for no reason. It might also explain why she appeared to aspirate. Thoughts?

I was trying to think of any neurological symptoms she may have had because a tumor could have explained the possible seizure. Then I realized that this bird had a limp that was only present in her walking gate and not at all while running and did not favor either leg when standing. I examined her many times and consulted with my vet too. We could never find anything physically wrong- not even any real signs of arthritis which is what I ended up blaming it on anyway. I'm thinking that limp could actually have been a neurological symptom of a tumor that existed somewhere in the motor cortex. Then again I could also just be reading to far into this. Just a thought.

 

[CHlCKEN]

Could be, that certainly could cause a panic. Of course there could also be something else going on. It certainly wouldn't hurt to keep an eye out for predator activity just in case

I seriously doubt predator activity when my dogs were loose, though I did consider it at first.

 

[tlcmurphy]

I don’t believe your girl had a seizure, I think the flapping around was her death throes. It’s quite upsetting to see a chicken die, but the flapping is what happens as they die.
I’m sorry for your loss

 

[FrostRanger]

I seriously doubt predator activity when my dogs were loose, though I did consider it at first.

Idk, I once had a possum wander into my yard where my dog was (this was before I got chickens). My yard isn't fenced so he was chained to a tree at the time. That possum made poor life choices and paid with its life

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss. Seven years is pretty average for a hen. I have lost some at all ages, but that is a good life. When I lose a hen, I usually open the abdominal cavity to look for yellow fluid (water belly, ) and at the major organs for odd color, spots on liver or other organs, blood clots, and tumors. Flesh colored lash material may also be present if they suffer from salpingitis. Take pictures to post here on a thread for opinions. The more detailed necropsy that can be done by some state vet labs is superior to this if you suspect something contagious. Sorry for your loss.

 

[CHlCKEN]

I don’t believe your girl had a seizure, I think the flapping around was her death throes. It’s quite upsetting to see a chicken die, but the flapping is what happens as they die.
I’m sorry for your loss

I'm probably reading into everything too much in order to satisfy myself with an answer. Honestly I didn't even consider throes, I was focused on what caused her death in the first place and trying to make all the pieces fit. Most likely her leg is unrelated. It was probably just her time

Sorry for your loss. Seven years is pretty average for a hen. I have lost some at all ages, but that is a good life. When I lose a hen, I usually open the abdominal cavity to look for yellow fluid (water belly, ) and at the major organs for odd color, spots on liver or other organs, blood clots, and tumors. Flesh colored lash material may also be present if they suffer from salpingitis. Take pictures to post here on a thread for opinions. The more detailed necropsy that can be done by some state vet labs is superior to this if you suspect something contagious. Sorry for your loss.

If I lose another bird within the next few months I'll definitely consider a necropsy but it's too late for it now.

 

[CHlCKEN]

I've got a job interview soon with my avian vet. I'll probably talk to her about it while I'm there and see what she thinks.