Amber link has died

[minskey]

One of my three Amber Link hens died to day [just over a year old]. She seemed under the weather yesterday & the day before, but was eating. I picked her up for her usual cuddle and noticed that she had lost an awful lot of weight put her down, she toddled off & had a few pellets then just stood there. it was cold & windy & I was off to work so popped her in the henhouse. It shuts on its own, after 11pm when I got back so did my quick walk around to make sure no one was out. Found her dead this morning, she looked like she had laid down & died, no struggle.

I'm worried now as my other two 'links have the sneezes & runny nose & I think my banty's comb is a little purple towards the back [she is full of beans as usual]

[lettucegrow!]

Oh so sorry to hear that . This hen keeping lark doesn't come without it's stresses and worries does it? Maybe the others need some kind of treatment as an insurance policy. Hope they are OK.

[minskey]

Thanks lettucegrow. I wonder if we can catch each others colds?

[RichmondHens]

Colds are fairly common in chickens, but like humans, usually go in a few days. The temperature fluctuations of late are probably not helping. "Blueing" of the comb however can be indicative of something more serious, like heart or circulatory disorders. Not necessarily, however, so don't panic. Did the hen that died have cold symptoms and/or comb blueing?

[frias]

Sorry to hear about your girl. Hope the other 2 are OK.

[minskey]

Cheers frias.

Hi Richmondhens, no it was blue after she died. I think the paranoia has set in, I'll check my banty again in the morning to see what colour her comb is, & fingers crossed for the rest of the girls. I'll start putting cod liver oil in the water & maybe a few days of poultry spice in the feed. They don't seem to be hungry for pellets, but are still enjoying treats although I have cut right down so they eat the pellets.

[Suechooks]

That's really sad Minskey. It's awful whatever age but when it's a young hen it must be horrid.

[HayleyB]

Shame, poor little laydee

[Nicos]

Oh dear..it's the worry about the others now isn't it??

[minskey]

Right, had a good look at my banty, she was livid that I dared catch her and disturb her immaculate feathers! She looks fine. I'll still keep an eye on all of them. Just a thought though, I was told the amber links had been vaccinated I never thought to ask what it was for.........................

[RichmondHens]

If she is fit and well, and behaving normally, then don't worry about her. It's very difficult to diagnose a sudden death and chances are it was a "one-off" and your other girls will be ok. Just keep an eye on them all, so you can spot any changes in behaviour.

A large part of good stockmanship is observation, and we can only spot behavioural changes when we are very familiar with normal behaviour. At least, that's my excuse for spending plenty of time watching chickens!!!!