Sad story but informative

Our take

Losing two sweet ladies in such a short time is a heart-wrenching experience for any chicken keeper, especially when they were thriving Copper Marans, just over a year old and laying well. The sudden deaths prompted a trip to the state lab, driven by concerns about bird flu. Thankfully, the results ruled that out, but the diagnosis of Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome was a bitter pill to swallow. This unfortunate condition could likely have been prevented, raising questions about diet choices. While feeding a balanced 16% protein feed supplemented with mealworms and sunflower seeds, it turns out that the high-carb treats, especially cracked corn, may have contributed to this tragedy.

So I just lost 2 of my sweet ladies in one week. Both were Copper Marans just over a year old and laying well. Both sudden death with no obvious cause. I took the second one into the state lab for fear of bird flu. The good news is it was not that. The bad news is that it was Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome....and probably could have been prevented...I think.

I feed 16% protein feed with meal worms and black oiled sunflower seeds for snacks. I also got some "scratch" to throw out for them as a treat/activity. The scratch is mostly cracked corn...a heavy carb that contributes to FLHS as do meal worms and sunflower seeds. I feel terrible.

All of my birds go out in a yard for the day and none seem "fat." But these girls died from a hemorrhaged liver...breaks my heart. I've had birds for a few years and never had anything like this happen.

I hope this information helps someone else. We are no longer giving treats other than fruit and vegetables.

submitted by /u/SuperPOSUser
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#fear of chickens#chickens#bird behavior#Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome#Copper Marans#protein feed#meal worms#hemorrhaged liver#black oiled sunflower seeds#scratch feed#cracked corn#heavy carb#sudden death#bird flu#treats#laying hens#bird health#bird diet#vegetables#fruit