Very sick rooster

[Eggcessive]

I'm sorry to hear that he passed away, but don't beat yourself up. Many of us feed layer feed to all of out chickens. It is kind of a trade-off--either your hens don't get enough calcium in their diets, or the roosters and non-layers get more than they need. I have never lost a rooster in 6 years from feeding layer feed. I used to use Flock Raiser, and still would if I had chicks around, but my flock gets all layer. Your rooster could have died of so many different problems, such as a heart ailment, respiratory, or any number of problems. State vets and poultry labs do a good job with necropsies for a set fee, and a couple of states do them free. Refrigerate and ship or take the body as soon as possible for necropsy. Here is a list of state vets and labs:
http://www.usaha.org/Portals/6/StateAnimalHealthOfficials.pdf
http://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

 

[Aubby]

Added those lists to my favorites. Thank you for everything

 

[Eggcessive]

You're welcome. Please update your thread here with any results from a necropsy. Take care.

 

[Janie hall]

Sorry for ur loss

 

[ambergds]

So sorry for your loss! I bet the necropsy comes back as something that was totally out of your control like a heart problem. Please update with the results when you get them.

 

[Aubby]

Initial results from necropsy is acute heart failure. Will be a week for any results from tissue samples. Thanx to everyone for support and information.

 

[Aubby]

And by the way, used the list that eggcessive posted for state vets/programs that do necropsies. They were extremely helpful and as you can see had a preliminary answer within 2 days. Recommend for anyone that wants answers. They even pick up!

 

[Eggcessive]

Thank you for the update, and so glad that you were able to get a diagnosis.