Warning- Graphic picture- Egg bound?

[Jgerrior125]

We just got home from vacation and had someone taking care of our chickens for the last week so not sure if she had been acting differently. We saw that she was alive 7 hours ago when they came to check on the hens and give them treats. We found her just laying on the ground dead. Is this from being egg bound? And other hens pecking at her?

 

[GodLovesU]

I’m not sure what that is. If you really wanted to, you could send her in for a necropsy. @Eggcessive can inform you how.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss. She may have been vent pecked by the others. Was she picked on or low in pecking order? Had they been kept put up more than usual since you were gone? I usually do a home necropsy on a hen since it can give some clues as to what was wrong. Keeping the body cold until you can do one would be best, but the sooner after death that it is done, the better. Post any necropsy photos here for any opinions.

 

[Toothpick]

In 8 years I've had 2 hens mysteriously die. I just assumed they were egg bound, but no confirmation.

I usually do a home necropsy on a hen since it can give some clues as to what was wrong.

This is probably a loaded question - How?
Is there a guide somewhere or do you have a background in vet medicine that helps?

 

[Eggcessive]

In 8 years I've had 2 hens mysteriously die. I just assumed they were egg bound, but no confirmation.



This is probably a loaded question - How?
Is there a guide somewhere or do you have a background in vet medicine that helps?

Here is a good necropsy video by a vet with the organs identified:

 

[Toothpick]

Here is a good necropsy video by a vet with the organs identified:

Thanks! I'll take a look. It would be nice to identify cause of death if it ever happens again.