!!WARNING!! (Talking about a death): I had a chicken who died, and I'm looking to find out why.

[BudgieKing15]

A few years ago I had a young Buff Orpington cockerel, I'm guessing around 5-6 weeks, that suddenly became sick and died after I found him hiding behind my shed. His comb suddenly turned pale and floppy, and his chest felt squishy. He was also extremely lethargic. I couldn't take him to the vet at the time, sadly. Only around an hour later, he seized up, threw up brown, runny liquid and suddenly died. Does anyone know what was wrong with him? I want to know so that if it ever happens again, I can help.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

Was his crop full? That sounds suspiciously like sour crop to me. I’m so sorry for your loss, hugs.

 

[BudgieKing15]

Was his crop full? That sounds suspiciously like sour crop to me. I’m so sorry for your loss, hugs.

I'm not sure. I felt it, but it didn't feel like there was any food in it. More like liquid or something.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

I'm not sure. I felt it, but it didn't feel like there was any food in it. More like liquid or something.

That sounds like sour crop. It’s when the contents of the crop can’t move down the digestive track for some reason (normally an impaction), and the contents start rotting. It is a horrible condition, and the only way to help it is to catch it early enough.

 

[BudgieKing15]

That sounds like sour crop. It’s when the contents of the crop can’t move down the digestive track for some reason (normally an impaction), and the contents start rotting. It is a horrible condition, and the only way to help it is to catch it early enough.

Thank you for explaining it. Now that I think about it, he was a free-ranger, so he may have eaten something that caused an impaction.

 

[toastyteddy]

Recently, my 3 month old flock went through a wave of Coccidiosis. I started with 18 and now only have 11. I was told sour crop at first as well, but I found differently. They died of a brown liquid goop that they would sneeze out and vomit, then they would seize up and have it come out the eyes then die.
I would also suggest water belly. Ive had one of my 2 year old hens die of it. It felt like a water balloon in her abdomen. It can occur on the chest and abdomen.

 

[BudgieKing15]

Recently, my 3 month old flock went through a wave of Coccidiosis. I started with 18 and now only have 11. I was told sour crop at first as well, but I found differently. They died of a brown liquid goop that they would sneeze out and vomit, then they would seize up and have it come out the eyes then die.
I would also suggest water belly. Ive had one of my 2 year old hens die of it. It felt like a water balloon in her abdomen. It can occur on the chest and abdomen.

That sounds exactly like what happened to my little cockerel! He also seemed like he was having trouble breathing, but not much.

 

[toastyteddy]

That sounds exactly like what happened to my little cockerel! He also seemed like he was having trouble breathing, but not much.

Well, if you ever have any issues with Coccidiosis, I'd suggest getting Corid solution, the liquid stuff if possible. I bought myself some just in case it ever happens again. My hens had fevers, forcefully kept themselves from eating and drinking, were lethargic, were pale, and were sneezing. Id just be sure to keep an eye out for it ^^