Lost two chickens

[OliveGrace]

I had 3 2 yo hens from my original flock of 6. I have 4 6 week old chicks in a brooder. Yesterday my EE and Sapphire Gem were not right. No interest in eating meal worms and no resistance to being picked up. I made an appointment to see the vet with them this morning. When I went out to get them they had both died during the night. Besides being devastated, I am worried about my last hen. The vet is sending one of the chickens to the state lab to see what killed them. I have always used sand in my coop that I scoop everyday. At the beginning of the week I had added new sand to the run. I am now removing it in case that is the problem and disenfecting the coop and run today. I don’t know what else to do. I won’t have results from the lab for almost a week. My only hen is following me everywhere since her sisters are gone. I am heartbroken for her.
The new chicks will not be ready for the coop for at least a month so she will be alone for that period of time.
does anyone have any advice for me? What should I disinfect the coop/run with that won’t be hazardous to my last hen? Thanks for any advice you can share.

 

[Perris]

so sorry for your loss
you could put a mirror in with the solitary hen to give her some 'company' until the littles are ready to join her.
I hope the results are 'good' ones in the sense of clear and easily actionable.

 

[RobertaD1]

You could move the chicks to the coop. at 6 weeks, they should be ready. After you get things taken care of of course.

 

[OliveGrace]

so sorry for your loss
you could put a mirror in with the solitary hen to give her some 'company' until the littles are ready to join her.
I hope the results are 'good' ones in the sense of clear and easily actionable.

Thanks for the kind words. I think the mirror is a great idea! I will do that for sure.

 

[OliveGrace]

You could move the chicks to the coop. at 6 weeks, they should be ready. After you get things taken care of of course.

What about feed? Since the chicks are on starter feed. I would be fine for my hen to eat starter and not lay if it wouldn’t hurt her.

 

[Perris]

I wouldn't move them till you've had the results, just in case it is something infectious in the coop.

 

[OliveGrace]

I wouldn't move them till you've had the results, just in case it is something infectious in the coop.

I agree. But what about the feeding if there was no disease?

 

[RobertaD1]

Mine are on starter feed all around.... mix them together for a few days for the older bird, then put your older hen on the starter feed. Offer oyster shell on the side for the hen to make up for the lost calcium. In about a week, I will be moving my entire flock to all flock feed.

 

[RobertaD1]

But, wait for the results if you will feel better. but start mixing your hens layer feed now.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I agree. But what about the feeding if there was no disease?

If there are no disasters, the hen can eat starter feed. If she is actively laying just make sure she has a source of free-choice calcium.

I really hope the results weren't something contagious! I'm so sorry for what you're dealing with. It's hard sometimes being a chicken keeper.