Lost Bernard..........

This morning when I went to the coop I found my lovely Buff Sussex, Bernard, dead in the nest box.  She had shown no signs of ilness and had laid every day inc yesterday. She had been wormed and appeared to be in good health. She was a big bird with beautiful feathering and thick legs like a turkey (hence Bernard)  She had a lovely personality and had recently taken to mothering, or at least looking after, my two new birds.  It is so sad I feel really daft at my age being upset.  We buried her in the Churhyard next to the cottage and put lots of stones on top, thanked her for being so funny and bringing us pleasure as well as eggs.  I guess its just nature but.......

Often a seemingly healthy hen can just die for no apparent reason- usually it is through something like a heart attack or old age. There is nothing that could have been done to prevent this happening so please take comfort from knowing that you gave Bernard the best life she could have wished for and in return she gave you a gift of her eggs  .  most of us shed a tear or two when we lose our lovely hens xx

  So sorry Prod, hang on to those memories they are like fairy dust and should be treasured. 

That must have made it a real shock for you.  

Have just read this post so you might want to check for red mite.

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=97655.0

Please check for red mite.  I didn't realise they could kill a prefectly health chicken over night until now x

Have just checked mine and luckily no signs but thanks for the heads up.  Will be checking more regularly from now on.   

It all sounds fine to me.  Do you have plenty of ventilation for them in the coop?

Perfect.