Mysterious dead Peahen

[Spruceroost]

Hey all. I have 2 Peahens in a 10 by 10 enclosure outside with poultry netting and welded wire. Little birds get in but nothing large. I found this girl dead this morning with her head up against her neck and against the cage. No sign of lesions, and no sign of outer illness (puffy eyes, runny nose etc.) But definitely dead. It was with chickens briefly several months back but has otherwise lived apart from them. Any ideas? The other Peahen seems fine.

 

[LoveMyChickenBabies]

Were there any marks/wounds on her body? Have you thought about cocci?

 

[Spruceroost]

Were there any marks/wounds on her body? Have you thought about cocci?

She didn't have anything on her body. Would cocci show anything? The other Peahen seems okay and they were both fine prior, no strange breathing or noises.

 

[LoveMyChickenBabies]

Look at it's droppings. Cocci is a parasite that is in poop. Is there blood spots in the droppings? If so you need to treat with Corid.

 

[Spruceroost]

Look at it's droppings. Cocci is a parasite that is in poop. Is there blood spots in the droppings? If so you need to treat with Corid.

Here are droppings near the site. I couldn't find blood anywhere in the pen. I broke open one for everyone to see:

 

[LoveMyChickenBabies]

Hmmm, @Eggcessive @Wyorp Rock , Could you guys take a look at this? I don't see anything but I'm not as experienced as you.

I don't see anything but give your Peahen a good check-over. Check her crop and feet. Does everything feel and look normal? Pretty much just do a through examine and report anything that you think might be off.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Send the bird to your state poultry lab for diagnosis. What state?

 

[townchicks]

Also, check her body weight, does she feel thin? Maybe feel the other peahen for comparison. Check for egg binding. Consider plucking the neck and chest to look for wounds or bruises, raccoons are notorious for grabbing birds through the wire. I agree with chicken canoe, a necropsy is best. If you chose to do one, wrap the body in a plastic bag and refrigerate, or put in a cooler with ice packs. Do not freeze. Contact your state lab for instructions on shipping.

 

[Eggcessive]

I read this post earlier today, and unfortunately, I don’t know much about peafowl. I agree that a necropsy would be the best.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry for your loss. I agree it would be best to send the body for necropsy. I don't know anything about Peafowl.