2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[Clur]

We've come back from a day out to find poor Milly dead in the eglu. I checked her over and her vent was bleeding - there's not a lot of blood, drips on the roosting bars and a little in the nest box and I don't think she was pecked by the others.

 

I've scrubbed out the eglu and found an egg yolk in the droppings tray but no shell. Is it possible that she died trying to pass an egg? I know chickens are very good at hiding when they are ill, but she seemed perfectly well, laying regularly and no signs at all of being under the weather.

 

Checked the other two girls over as a precaution and both again seem fine. Am just so shocked it was Milly that went, she was top of the pecking order and so big and strong. Was worrying a little about Florrie as she's still mouting and her crop and underside are very hot (no other sympoms), so I was keeping a closer eye on her!

 

Got two littlies (7 and 4) in tears at the moment and I'm not far off!!!

[girlsmum]

Sorry to hear your news Clur. You must all be devastated = what a schock. Unfortunately cant help with advice cos i havent had chickens for very long.

 

best wishes Girlsmum

[McChook]

So sorry for you and your littlies! I can't offer you an answer as to why this has happened though sorry

[Egluntyne]

Sorry to hear it.

[Chickvic]

Sorry to hear about Milly

[Ain't Nobody Here]

So sorry to hear that . What a shock .

[Clur]

Thanks everyone. I think I'm right in what's caused Milly's death (she was only 18 months old), but slightly nervous in case it's something that will affect Florrie and Dilys.

[Plum]

Sorry to hear about Millie, horrible shock for you

[Abbey Road Girl]

How very sad. Hearts here go out to you.

[Hen Watch]

Clur, so Sorry to hear about Milly

[The Dogmother]

So sorry to hear your news.

 

I don't think it's likely that she died trying to lay the egg, but hens have rather weak hearts and a lighter hold on life than most creatures, so the likely cause is a heart attack.

[Clur]

Thanks Claret. Do you know what would cause slight bleeding from the vent? The other two are fine and dandy thankfully and have been pottering around the garden quite happily today.

[The Dogmother]

Sorry, without looking at her it's hard to guess. A slight graze from laying perhaps.

 

A small bleed like that wouldn't cause her death, but may be a symptom of something else amiss with her.