Help: 2 dead chickens in 10 days

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Does any one have any ideas what could be the problem? We just lost our second hen in 2 weeks. One hen died 2 weeks ago after just becoming increasingly lethargic - unfortunately we were away at the time and only have the report of our kind neighbour who was looking after them. We didn't notice any problems with the remaining birds after that but today there was one that didn't come out of the house this morning. She drank when put before the water but became increasingly lethargic within hours, not standing, no interest in food. We isolated her and she remained motionless except for rapid breathing. Her comb shrunk and became purple/bluish. She died this afternoon. Can anyone suggest it might be as I am obviously owrried that whatever it is is contagious?
 
Your best bet would be to try and get an autopsy done - but with the time of year, not going to be easy! I hesitate to offer any advice or thoughts, because it could so easily be anything! But two chickens in 10 days, is not good! If any more do die, you will need to contact the authorities. Sorry I can't be of more help.
 
Hi

How are your chickens?.

Just thought I would ask as I have had a young cockerel and a hen die in December under similar situations.

All I can tell is they had shrivelled combs and runny poop. Have checked for all the obvious things.

If I have another die I will take it for an autopsy.

I wondered how yours was getting on.?

Steph
 
Heard the same story recently and red red mite was suggested. That was because of the characteristic very pale comb though with several days of lethargy, not a purple comb and sudden lethargy, which suggests a sudden lack of circulation so some kind of artery blockage or heart problem. Sure Foxy and others will have more ideas.
 
Thanks for your replies. I called my vet this afternoon, he has given me the number of another vet who knows more about chickens, so I will call her in the morning and see what she says. Will also have another check for red mite in case we have missed something, not long since last check but you never know. The second one went downhill so fast it is really worrying.
 
The problem with poorly chickens is that they hide the fact they're ill until they're very, very ill. By which time it's often too late to treat them. :cry:
 
I agree, it is very difficult to tell what may have happened, chooks are very good at hiding illness.

I doubt red mite is the cause. Darker comb, weight loss, loose (smelly?? un digested and/or dark green?) droppings is indicative of an internal problem, a sort of enteritis/bacterial infection maybe. Only on post mortem will you know for sure, anything else would just be guess I am afraid.

In the meantime, check and clean housing, dig out run and replace if necessary, check for any mouldy food lying around.

I hope your remaining birds stay well it is very sad and confusing to lose birds not knowing what is wrong! :(
 
I've found that the first sign of being unwell is they stop talking, long before they show any outward signs. Having said that we do have some characters who keep talking to me even though I know they are ill. So that method of spotting illness is far from infallible, but it's a good guide.
 
Hi,
I had a hen die with similar symptons. She had not laid for several weeks and had started to show signs of coming back into lay with a bright red comb. She had been in the nesting box but not laid anything. She too became lethargic and her comb went dark maroon and the cloaca was going in and out as if trying to pass an egg. I couldn't feel an egg there. She didn't make it to her vet appt and the vet thought from my description she died of egg peritonitis when the yolk goes into the abdomen and they die pretty quickly from the resulting infection.
 
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