robs5230 Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 i have had a 2 14 week old light sussex bantams for a week now. i was a little concerned about them but thought it was just settling in issues. however this morning when i let them out the smallest of the 2 was very listless. she came outside and was just sat looking like she was gasping for breath. within 30 minutes she died the arc is new , i have fed them layers pellets , fresh food and water every day and the house has been cleaned every 2 days. they have been moved to fresh grass daily. the other one is in perfect health. any ideas ??? thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Sorry, no idea - but sometimes this just happens, even with young hens. Was she looking ok other than 'listless' - no discharge, rattling breath, any other symptoms? It could just be simple heart failure. Since they are so young and you've only had them a week, I'd be inclined to contact the breeder for advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robs5230 Posted January 19, 2013 Author Share Posted January 19, 2013 yes just mouth opening and closing like she was gasping for air. left a message for the breeder but as yet no reply mmmm... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 My very bantam did this and I lost her. Initially I thought she was stressed about laying as kept going into the nest box then did the breathing like yours and died overnight. Breeder thought it was heart failure too and kindly replaced her. It was so upsetting though especially when you are first starting out. Hope your breeder can shed some light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Sorry meant to say don't let it out you off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi5 Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Oh so sorry to hear about your little one! Did I read right and they were/are 14 weeks? They should be on growers pellets for a little while yet. I don't think that's a factor in losing your hen, but they need different nutrition. It may have been a little under the weather already and stress will allow illness to get a hold. So you will need to get a companion for your other girl, as they don't do well alone being a flock animal. The advice I got when starting out keeping chickens was, get 3 and then If you should lose 1 you will still have 2 and they will have each other for company. I have 2 youngsters (26 weeks) in an ark waiting to join the big girls in the cube!!! I have been worrying about them as they seem to shelter in the coop part a lot of the time. Where as the girls in the cube are always in their run!!! Both are covered, but I think maybe the youngsters feel the cold more as there is only 2 of them. I would suggest you keep your remaining girl in at night (cat basket or such will do) Hope you get sorted and this is just a blip! Let us know how you get on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Sory to hear about your little bantam. As Mimi5 says they should be on growers rather than layers pellets. If I was you I would buy some growers pellets and get a couple of new little friends for your remaining bantam. When they are older you can then feed them the layers pellets that you have got. I lost one of my little bantams when they were about 10 weeks, no obvious reason but sadly one of those things. I had hatched the chicks, my first hatch and the little chick was fine in the afternoon but by evening I found her dead in the run. Welcome to the forum Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robs5230 Posted January 19, 2013 Author Share Posted January 19, 2013 i'll get growers pellets monday. seem to be back where i started looking for bantams. not very confident in going back to the same breeder being as he hasn't responded to my calls or messages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi5 Posted January 20, 2013 Share Posted January 20, 2013 Oh dear, sorry to hear your experience with your breeder. I had a similar experience, in that my first 3 got ill after a couple of weeks and although the breeder would chat with me......she seemed to be on a fact finding mission!!! I haven't been back there! It is difficult especially when you're not experienced and are realing on advice from the breeder/suppllier. One thing I have learned is that chickens can be well and in a short space of time dead. The way I have had it described to me is that they have a light hold on life. Sometimes if we see the signs early enough we can turn it around, but the best thing is prevention, as in keeping them well! Even then as you and I have experienced some just don't have it in them, some type of internal flaw. So do persevere and I hope with the spring coming you will soon be enjoying keeping chickens! How is your remaining girl? Maybe try a different breed? Let us know how you get on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gongladosh Posted January 20, 2013 Share Posted January 20, 2013 Sadly, sometimes a hen can be plain unlucky, I'm sure the rest will be fine. Welcome to the forum by the way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
