What killed our hen?

[Jeff Cooper]

12 - 13 month old Black Australorp kept with 8 other hens of different breeds. Food has been Egg Maximizer 21%, small amounts of scratch and treats such a meal worms, apples and fresh green beans. Coop is 40 square feet and yard is 625 sq feet.

We have not noticed any behavior changes but the wife came home to find her dead this afternoon. Feathers missing around vent and it was gaping open approximately one inch. She also said something was hanging out the vent about 4 inches. I realize this is a vague description but I did not get to see the dead hen.

Any ideas what killed her?

Thank you if you can help.

 

[sourland]

She may have prolapsed her reproductive tract and been cannibalized by the flock.