- Mar 26, 2008
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One of my most lovely hens died today.
These Silkies are so fuzzy- I had no idea she was absolutely emaciated and dehydrated until I picked her up. Keel bone protuding and complete muscle loss.
Being a Pre-vet student, I was curious about her cause of death, as the other chickens are fine. When I opened her up, the first thing I noticed (barring a total lack of fat- not even a trace) was a huge gizzard that seemed to fill up her abdominal cavity. When I moved it, the next thing I noticed were enormous cecum, with one being blackish. I didn't notice any lesions, so I'm not thinking it's New Castle's. When I opened up her gizzard it was cram packed full of what looked like tiny fragments of shavings. It was quite dry, too. It's pretty clear she died of starvation and dehydration- but any ideas as to why? Our chickens have a constant supply of grain, oyster shells, and water. And often table scraps like veggies and cooked foods. Our coop isn't overcrowded and there's no evidence that she was being bullied or picked on.
Being a Pre-vet student, I was curious about her cause of death, as the other chickens are fine. When I opened her up, the first thing I noticed (barring a total lack of fat- not even a trace) was a huge gizzard that seemed to fill up her abdominal cavity. When I moved it, the next thing I noticed were enormous cecum, with one being blackish. I didn't notice any lesions, so I'm not thinking it's New Castle's. When I opened up her gizzard it was cram packed full of what looked like tiny fragments of shavings. It was quite dry, too. It's pretty clear she died of starvation and dehydration- but any ideas as to why? Our chickens have a constant supply of grain, oyster shells, and water. And often table scraps like veggies and cooked foods. Our coop isn't overcrowded and there's no evidence that she was being bullied or picked on.
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