Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: paulinerose on April 04, 2011, 19:47

Title: dead hen
Post by: paulinerose on April 04, 2011, 19:47

Hi

we are new to chicken keeping, and have 6 hybrids, today have found 1 of the girls dead in the pen, she was fine this am and early pm when checked, found her at about 3pm with no obvious signs of injury so am really perplexed, I did however find a lice crawling on her but her vent looked clean, their house and dust bath has been treated with mite powder.

Could it have been a virus or infection and if so should we withhold from eating the eggs, and just keep an eye on the other hens

thanks

pauline

Title: Re: dead hen
Post by: Fisherman on April 04, 2011, 21:06

Hi Pauline
I would keep a close eye on your hens for a few weeks just in case they show any deteriorating problems. Likely as not your hen that died had an underlying problem i.e. heart, respiratory etc. Hens are extremely good at hiding ailments! I very much doubt lice would have caused the issue.

I had a similar problem a some time ago however the rest of the hens have been fine since.

Eggs should be fine.

Title: Re: dead hen
Post by: GrannieAnnie on April 04, 2011, 21:12

If it was that sudden, it could have been a heart attack.  They can have them, and it does happen very quickly

Sorry Fisherman, hadn't noticed you'd already said that!   ::)

Title: Re: dead hen
Post by: Aidy on April 04, 2011, 21:15

I would agree with fisherman, HF may come along and offer some advice, hens are no different to us, there is no gaurantee of a long life I am afraid.
Yep keep your eyes on the others and see how it goes.

Title: Re: dead hen
Post by: paulinerose on April 05, 2011, 06:18

hi

thanks for your help, we did suspect heart attack as it was that quick, will be keeping a close eye on the others

pauline