One hen has died

[mandyballantyne]

One of my girls died in the early hours of Sunday morning

She was what I thought to be broody on Thursday sitting on eggs and not wanting to move. I picked her up and put her out and she seemed fine.

Friday she was the same wanting to sit on eggs but looked unwell and had a messy bottom and very watery poo and off her food. (no evidence of a burst egg inside her)

Saturday she seemed better and was eating again but still not herself.

I last checked on her at midnight on Saturday and when I went back at 4.30am she was dead. I feel so guilty and very, very sad.

What could of caused this and what should I have done?? (I know I should have gone to the vet but thought she was just broody.)

All the others seem fine but I am concerned about them as I don't know what caused her to die.

Thanks, Mandy

[JILLY JACKSON]

You poor thing ,i know how bad you must feel,having lost pets myself.You mustn;t feel guilty as the other hens are ok are'nt they?It could be that the stress of a visit to the vet would have killed her anyway.One of my hens is going broody at the moment,or so it seems.Try not to feel too bad and keep an eye on the others for the next few days.

[lainey lou]

thoughts are with you mandy xxxx Don't feel guilty hun I'm sure you loved her and she had a great life with you.

[Birdie Wife]

I'm really sorry to hear about your loss - it doesn't sound like there's anything you could have done. Chickens very often hide their symptoms until they are so ill that they can't help it, by which stage it's usually too late to do anything. If you are worried about the other hens then you could get a post-mortem done to find out if there was any infectious disease.

[mandyballantyne]

thanks Jilly and Lainey,

Yes the others are fine and she was welled loved and spoiled. She was the only one who wanted picked up for a hug so I was closer to her than the others.

Any idea what could have caused it? I want to prevent any further problems.

Mandy xx

[mandyballantyne]

I'm really sorry to hear about your loss - it doesn't sound like there's anything you could have done. Chickens very often hide their symptoms until they are so ill that they can't help it, by which stage it's usually too late to do anything. If you are worried about the other hens then you could get a post-mortem done to find out if there was any infectious disease.

Thanks BW,

I buried her yesterday, don't think I could face un earthing her. All the rest are fine and I have scrubbed the coop etc so I will just keep a very close eye on things.

Mandy

[minskey]

Oh Mandy, I am ever so sorry for you; I've only had my hens two days & would be devastated if I lost one.

[armadillo]

Yes, don't feel guilty- the lady I bought mine from said they go very quickly when they do go, and I get the impression that this just happens from time to time ad there is very little that can be acheived by a visit to the vet. I really hope your others stay well; it sounds like they're all still strong & happy
all the best, and a long life for the rest!