I apologise in advance for the essay that I am about to write, but I have a serious issue going on with my birds, and I am desparate to find answers. I have been attempting to keep chickens for 4 years. In that time I have bought 12 chickens, at different times. 10 of those 12 chickens have died. The chickens only last at most about 3 years, if that. Some only last a few months. I am seeing some consistent issues among the dying birds. My story goes something like this...
Bought 4 Point of Lay Isa Browns.
1. Dropped dead within a couple of months (guess that just happens)
2. Lasted about 18 months. Developed what appeared to be peritonitis (very swollen abdomen, waddle walking) and died.
3. Lived to about 3. From age 2-3 had constant problems with crop blocking. Then developed egg laying problems and died.
4. Live to about 3.2. Developed tumours that could be very visibly felt and seen in the abdomen. Was PTS.
After the first 2 Isa's died, I bought 2 Point of Lay Silkies from a different breeder.
5. Lived about 6 months - developed bright yellow urates and was slowly dying. PTS. Research suggests yellow urates could be related to liver disease.
6. Developed respiratory symptoms a day after buying her. Lived for about 18 months, though was never fully well. Eventually got worse and was PTS.
Bought another 2 Silkies
7. POL hen. Lived about 18months-2 years. Developed bright yellow Urates and appeared to have same problem as previous Silkie. Did not have contact with previous Silkie who had long died. PTS.
8. 6 week old Rooster. Lived about 2 years. Developed an obvious Bowel blockage. Would scream in pain when pooing. Treated him with lactulose and soft foods. Appeared to get better, but as soon as he free ranged again, problem returned. PTS.
Bought 4 Sussex/Plymouth Rock POL Hens from neighbour
9. Lived for about 18 months, sick with no apparent cause. Was eventually PTS.
10. Lived about 18 months, developed a blocked crop. Same issue as Rooster. Could digest soft foods, but if left to free range, blocked. Then developed Ascites and clearly unwell. Experienced chicken neighbour came over yesterday and she was euthanised and post mortem findings were: Very diseased liver (friable, not good colour). Abdomen full of fluid. Large tumour in intestine, which was causing the blockage. All other organs looked healthy. Repro tract looked normal. Good egg formation etc. Despite having a prominent breast bone, this hen was disgustingly full of fat. The neighbour has never seen so much fat, even though the hen was not fleshy (for a Sussex/Plymouth cross).
11. and 12. Still alive but future isn't looking optimistic. Neighbour where these hens came from still have the hens from the same batch and theirs are healthy and mine are dying.
Sorry about the essay, but seeing issues with Liver disease and blockages of the digestive system, likely tumours, in birds less than 2-3 years old. Anyone know what would be causing such issues?
They were all free ranging, but have had them confined for past 4 months in case they were getting into something they shouldn't have. Yet still lost another one.
They are wormed appropriately and were fed Barastoc Layer Mash ad lib in feeder as well as free ranging. Neighbour says I shouldn't give them free access to layer mash, just give a little at night because of the amount of fat in bird, however worried that bird isn't really fleshy, just unusual fat deposition. They don't get any other treats other than just the odd bit of fruit.
Any thoughts appreciated.
Very sad and disheartened chicken owner