Why did my hen die suddenly?

[lillie]

I am hoping someone can help me figure out why my hen died suddenly so that I can prevent another death. I have read previous posts and nothing seems to fit. My hen was about two years old and appeared healthy. The evening before she died she was moving a little slower and not as eager to eat treats, however, the behavior didn't seem like a precusor to death. Our temps have been in the low 90's - she did have shade and water and was not showing signs of overheating like holding her wings out and breathing with an open mouth. Her poop was normal and she was laying about an egg a day. She lived in a coop with one other hen and both went into a fenced part of my yard during the day. (Nothing new with range or living space.) Feed is a commercial diet. When I looked at her in the morning she was laying down. I picked her up and she vomited clear liquid (water?). I set her back down in the coop and she laid her head down and died about 15 minutes later. Also, I noticed her comb looked purplish right at the top. Thanks for any ideas or suggestions.

 

[dangerouschicken]

I don't know, but I am sorry for your loss

 

[Leslie In North Pole]

Sorry for your loss.

Impacted crop?

As chickens don't regurgitate to feed their young, vomiting is usually a sign that something is wrong in their digestive track. Usually, an autopsy will find a blockage that is preventing food and liquids from getting through. I have read where something as simple as grass blocks up their crop.

On the other hand, she could have fallen prey to a bacteria or virus, though most don't induce vomiting...

 

[dlhunicorn]

the blue comb would indicate she died from heart/pulmonary failure ...