daisymay Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 Went out to let out my chickens this morning. They are coming up to 3 years old so I believe they are considered mature ladies now. One of my omlet girls (had 3 but one died a few weeks ago) was hanging back in the run and then did a big sneeze. I watched her for a minute or so and she did another sneeze so I thought I would get her and take her away from the others to isolate her in case of anything contagious. I just grabbed her (no struggle at all) and she did loads of sneezes. I picked her up and noticed some yellowy gunk (that I assumed was snot) coming from her beak. By the time I had walked about 15 feet her head was hanging. Her wings flapped a little bit for a few minutes and then her eyes shut and she died. Can't believe something like that could happen so quickly. I have just looked up potential illnesses and came up with mycoplasmosis but she didn't have the rest of the symptoms and was absolutely fine yesterday. Horrible experience (clearly much worse for her) but I am concerned whether I need to do anything about the rest of my hens (I now have 6 left). I spoke to my 87 year old farming grandmother who said that they don't live forever and yes they can get like that, then just keel over and die. They are kept on mud as they have destroyed the grass area where they live but have been there for 3 years or so without problems before. It is boggy at the moment, but again they have had it like that after several rainy days before. Any advice please??? Thanks in advance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenNutter Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 How awful for you , I am really sorry. At least she died in your arms which must have been comforting. Hopefully someone will be along in a minute who knows about Mycoplasmosis, so you can protect your other girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickybaby Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 I've had 2 chickens with mycoplasma. They do sneeze with mycoplasma but mine only sneezed a few times. It came on gradually over a couple of days, started with the sneezing, then fluid from their nostrils and then they became rattly with their breathing. Thankfully both mine survived after antibiotics. I have no idea what was wrong with your chicken, sounds like it could have been something else considering how quickly it all happened. Maybe you could speak to a vet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 Very sorry to hear it. I'm no expert on Myco, but if you search on here there will be some information under the FAQs. However I wouldn't panic - I'm afraid a 3-year old hybrid is indeed 'mature', and hens can keel over and die very rapidly (she may have been feeling poorly for a while but concealed her symptoms, they are very good at this), and she may not have anything infectious; the sneezing etc may just be a sign that her respiratory system wasn't working because her heart had failed or something similar. Keep an eye on your other hens of course, to spot any more sneezing, but your granny may well be right in this case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daisymay Posted March 1, 2011 Author Share Posted March 1, 2011 I've spent an hour disinfecting the cube and food/water bowls with jeyes fluid. Don't think there is much else I can do for the moment. Will wait and see I think...thanks for the advice. Will keep you informed (hopefully won't need to though). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henslaved Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 How awful for you . That must have been a real shock . Afraid I can't offer any advice, only sympathy and hugs xx. Hope your other girls are ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 Sorry to hear about your poor chicken. I'm sorry I have no advice either but just wanted to send you a "hug" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 Just read your post and so sorry, that must have been awful for you. At least she wasn't poorly for a long time. Sending lots of hugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oneyolktoanother Posted March 4, 2011 Share Posted March 4, 2011 sorry to hear this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
