There was a diagnosis. The vet said she had fat molecules in her stool sample and other things that showed she was not absorbing nutrients. It appeared she had a sickness as a young pullet (about month 3 or 4) and it damaged and/or killed off the nutrient absorbing tissues. Meaning she was eating, but everything was just going out, not being absorbed. The theory also made sense because she had a pale comb and never put on weight since I got her at 6 months of age. She sure was a sweetheart. I wish I would have had more time with her. The only positive thing I can say is it seems it was not my fault, and it wasn't because of something I did wrong. Also it doesn't appear to be something the rest of my small flock can catch. Other than a broody who needs a bath, they seem to be fine. There was no sign of worms or bacteria in her stool sample. No lice or mites either.
The vet also said that sometimes when you are establishing a flock, this just happens... Sick, weak ones will die off until you have a stronger flock left. I'm new at the whole chicken thing so I didn't know that. So my problem is my little flock is down to 3, not much room for anymore deaths. Vet also said that chickens only live a few years, which was contradictory to what my friend who has raised chickens for a long time said. She claimed some make it 10 years or so. Anyone else??
My remaining 3 were searching for Pippi before they went to roost tonight. So sad! And gee.. Can you tell I'm still upset too? It's the middle of the night and here I am on byc.
