Strange death...Heatstroke?

Curtis B · #1 09/02/11, 10:53 AM

Got home from work yesterday, and found my tom just laying dead. He is a narragnaset, and was only about 1 1/2 years old. I looked him over and found no wounds accept his vent looked a little bloody. He was fine when I left, and everyday prior, had fresh water, and is freerange so he had access to shade. I have no other adult toms, so there was no fighting. I was considering switching him out since my hatch rate was absolutly horrible this year, and the only thing changed from last year was him. It was 105 here yesterday, but not the hottest day of the year. The only thing I can think of is the heat. Anything else I should look for?

Cyngbaeld · #2 09/02/11, 11:53 AM

Did you do a post mortem?

mitchell3006 · #3 09/02/11, 11:53 AM

It's a little late for him but check your hens for sulfer colored droppings (indicates Blackhead). Bloody droppings can indicate cocci although they are a little old for that. Worm them. Copper sulfate in water. Do everything you can and you may still have to chalk one up to who knows.

Mark

#4 09/02/11, 12:05 PM

Could have just been a heart attack.

Curtis B · #5 09/02/11, 12:08 PM

I didn't do a post mortem. The heat was as close as you can get to unbearable yesterday, and there was no way DW was going to let me take him inside. I have had turkeys for about 4 years now, and haven't had a problem with any diseases so far. This is the first death I have had that wasn't due to some sort of trauma, or winter water tank drowning. I imagine it is too late to do a PM today, it struck me this morning I should have at least thrown him in a bag, and then into the freezer, so I could have.

harrisjnet · #6 09/04/11, 09:43 AM

I am guessing it was due to the heat. I have lost about 25 chickens this year to the heat. Some felt like they had actually starved to death. The heat knocks their appetite in the head and they weaken. Same has been happening with our rabbits.

Rusty'sDog · #7 09/04/11, 02:42 PM

Most poultry reduce food intake during hot weather, which is why it is important to feed a higher % protein in hot weather.

For example, if you are feeding 16% layer mix, and the birds are eating 20% less food than normal, by switching to a 20% ration, they will still get the same protein level.

100# feed @ 16% = 16# protein
80# feed @ 16% = 12.8# protein
80# feed @ 20% = 16# protein

This is one reason that egg production drops in hot weather...lack of sufficient protein.