Only Roosters dying (died)

[ChickenCanoe]

Research shows that roosters fed layer feed die at 4 times the rate of hens. Because they don't appear ill and all of a sudden die, people don't make the connection to feed.
Urolithiasis and gout are the biggest problems but excess calcium deposited in other organs can be a problem too.
If you'd like to see it, I can post the various research articles showing the danger to roosters.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Research shows that roosters feed layer feed die at 4 times the rate of hens. Because they don't appear ill and all of a sudden die, people don't make the connection to feed.
Urolithiasis and gout are the biggest problems but excess calcium deposited in other organs can be a problem too.
If you'd like to see it, I can post the various research articles showing the danger to roosters.

Would you be so kind as to post those articles in this thread https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/924149/mixed-flock-feeding-chicken-duck-for-eggs-only - I think it would be helpful there as well.

 

[One Chick Two]

I was feeding them layer.
I have always fed hens and roosters the same feed.

My chickens free range and are closed in only at night so they don't eat as much feed

So, the rooster is standing, with his head down?

Are there any toxins the boys could get into while free ranging? Could this be Coccidiosis?

 

[blackstone]

I was at a total loss for an explanation.
When they were sick, they laid on their side.
Sometimes they acted like one side was sort of paralyzed.

As I said, I always fed all my birds the same feed.
Not sure how I would feed the hens one thing and the boys something else.

I don't know what coccidoscious (sp?) is but no hens were affected at all.

They all foraged together so if there were poison, I'd think they all would have gotten it.

They got sick one after another. After one would die, then another would get sick.

All are gone for sometime now and no hen has been affected

 

[casportpony]

Many States of free or low cost necropsy services, so I suggest that anyone reading this thread look into what it would take to have one done:

http://www.usaha.org/Portals/6/StateAnimalHealthOfficials.pdf

-Kathy

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Good point Kathy.
It's best to be prepared. Overwhelmed by the deaths can preclude one taking appropriate action.

 

[casportpony]

Good point Kathy.
It's best to be prepared. Overwhelmed by the deaths can preclude one taking appropriate action.

What I've been thinking abount doing is compiling a list of States and what they charge for necropsies. States like CA and TN are free, and I think MD is under $10... Sigh, so many projects, so little time.

-Kathy

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I had one done in MO recently that was $55. It was a complete gross necropsy and histologic exam. Worth it to find the bird had cancer and no threat to the other birds.
The university has an extensive list of charges based on what they do so it can vary greatly.

I'm so glad I took the ill bird right to them rather than prophylactically medicating. It was a 300 mile round trip.

 

[Wisher1000]

To the OP - I had the same thing (or very similar) going on two summers ago. I sent three different birds off for necropsey. All three demonstrated different possible causes but none were conclusive. I received the preliminary report that ended in "inconclusive," and the samples were sent to our state vet college. They listed the cause of death as infectious coryza. I have my doubts. NONE of the cockerels had any of the typical symptons, no nasal discharge, no rales, no swelling of the face or head, no eye discharge. That also wouldn't explain why just the cockerals were affected. I noticed on the report that there were some cecal worms and another that I can't recall right now. I wormed them thoroughly and lost no more birds. Now, I don't know that worming did the trick or if what ever it was just ran it's course, but if you have never wormed these birds, it won't hurt. PLEASE let me know if you determine what the actual cause is.