The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Penninehillbilly on April 25, 2020, 10:39:28 am

Title: RIP Doris
Post by: Penninehillbilly on April 25, 2020, 10:39:28 am

Hi all, thoughts please.
Sadly one of our rescue hens died last night, OH mainly sees to them, but as far as i know she was fine on Thursday, jumped up for her supper, last night (Friday)  she was very lethargic, comb pale, reddish out towards the edge, crop very squishy. OH said she was sluggish in the morning. They've been on layers pellets and occasionally whole soaked wheat.
Well feathered and looked fine up to yesterday, so it's been quick.
They were end of lay, heading into abbatoir, pulled from crates (with owners permission) about a year ago, so they've had a good year pecking about
But any idea of problem, not much to go on I know, wondered if they are short lived?,

Title: Re: RIP Doris
Post by: doganjo on April 25, 2020, 11:30:10 am

I haven't found rescue hens any mroe short lived than pure to be honest. They are bred to be good layers so another good laying breed should have a similar lifespan.

Did you check her rear end?  Could she have been eggbound?

Title: Re: RIP Doris
Post by: Penninehillbilly on April 25, 2020, 11:42:22 am

I haven't seen her yet, might open her up later.