[lmward]

can anyone give us some advice?
We have 9 chickens, all got at different times, therefore different breeds/ages etc.
last week we lost one of our original girls. She seemed unwell one day and died the next. She just laid down and would not move - she did not appear to have any breathing problems or any obvious discomfort. we had had her for two years and uncertain as to how old she was. We thought she had just died of old age. I have let our other chooks out this morning and our other original bird is not moving and I am now worried that some sort of disease may hit the whole flock. Once again this bird is not exhibiting and signs of respiratory distress or discomfort - the other girls look great and are busy going about their day! Any suggestions? 

[poultrygeist]

Hi lmward. Welcome 

Have you checked them over for signs of lice/mites http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=5250.0 ?

Are their crops bloated ?

How is the poo http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=17568.0 ?

Is there a raised temperature ?  You can check by feeling under the wing and comparing to a well hen.

Is the comb a good colour ?

Rob 

[broodyhen]

what colour is the comb supposed to be to indicate good health Rob?

[Aunt Sally]

Dark red.

[poultrygeist]

There's so many indicators and most behavioural ones will be hidden for fear of being picked on.
Anything you can spot that seems different can help to diagnose. And then, it may need a vet to treat.
Are they laying at all ?

You could check for any retained eggs. Feel gently under the back end for anything egg-shaped or hard.

Rob

[lmward]

Thanks Rob for your input.
combs seem to be good colour and no temp. droppings seem fine, as do vents. Pollyanna isolated now and just looks generally bedraggled!
We check for red mite weekly and all okay last week but have spotted some around the roost post this weekend and now treated - maybe we missed them last week if only just started - Could red mite kill a bird that quickly?
lynne

[poultrygeist]

I've personally never seen a red mite but from other threads where there's one, there's often 1,000 more hiding in a crevice.

I don't know how quickly or how many it takes to kill a bird but I'm sure they could do some serious damage once they start. I wish I could offer more accurate and more positive advice but I'm out of my field of experience.

Rob