What is killing my birds?

[black star]

My Rhode Island red rooster was fine Thursday but the next day he wasn't moving at all then yesterday he died; the symptoms he was displaying was like he was hurt and old and lame (his feet looked okay) ready to die he was 1 yr and 6months. This is not the first time this has happen, my Guinea fowl flock (they walk around the land) lead male he display the same symptoms and died. I lost 7 fowls this year due to what is killing them. Note I bought them from feed store and the guinea was 2 yr old

 

[Papas Chickens]

If they free range maybe there is something on your property that maybe poisoness to them or a bad water source. Do you feed them a comercial food or do they just eat what is on your property? If so that also can be a issue of malnutrition.

 

[Wyandottes7]

My first guess would be that they might have contracted Botulism. Botulism is a disease caused by toxic bacteria (Clostridium botulinum) , usually found in decaying/rotting animals or moldy leaves/leaf litter. It can cause paralysis of the legs, and sudden death. Another symptoms is feathers that are easily pulled out (due to the nerves being damaged). Are there any places on your property where its possible they could have contracted Botulism?

Here are some links on Botulism in chickens:

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/19/botulism
http://beautyofbirds.com/botulism.html
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/207448/treating-botulism-updated-rip-spike