Hi, new here, glad I found you! I have a 7 yr old hen that broke her leg around three months old, then (we think, had same symptoms) again at age 2. She's 7 maybe 8 now and stopped useing the leg again. Hasn't laid in a long time ( never laid well or for many years) , no worms, mites, or bumble foot and seems happy otherwise. Never any health problems her entire life. The leg doesn't seem broken though. Could this be the combo of an old injury and age? She started a light raspy wheeze about two days ago. I had an elderly friend tell me once that when older people go in for hip/ knee replacement they usually die in the hospital of pneumonia! I can't help but wonder if that's my hens issue. Old age and general declining health. She is getting thin too. She is separated, epsome salt soaks, a bit of vet rx around the beak, and a bit of warm egg that she scarfed up fast, and going to put raw apple cider vinegar in water tonight. I don't want to over medicate, but trying to keep her comfortable. Her old friend that's the same age moves a little slower these days too. Any suggestions, or is my little pal just getting old?
Limping Again
- Thread starter Larissa
- Start date
Hi Larissa and a big welcome to the Forum, to you and your elderly hens.
I think you have done marvellously well to keep them going in such good health for so long. 7 years is very old for a hen, not many make it as far as that. Hens are not usually very long- lived birds and many, or most, die before they are 5, (though as you have proved, there are honourable exceptions.)
All the things you say about her sound to me like the signs of old age and gradually declining health. I think you are right to give her what loving care you can for her last few weeks or months, try to get her to eat whatever she enjoys, and keep her comfortable, out of the weather, as cool as possible at the moment, as you are doing. It's always very sad when well- loved pets get to this stage, whatever their species. Do let us know how she, and you, get on.
I think you have done marvellously well to keep them going in such good health for so long. 7 years is very old for a hen, not many make it as far as that. Hens are not usually very long- lived birds and many, or most, die before they are 5, (though as you have proved, there are honourable exceptions.)
All the things you say about her sound to me like the signs of old age and gradually declining health. I think you are right to give her what loving care you can for her last few weeks or months, try to get her to eat whatever she enjoys, and keep her comfortable, out of the weather, as cool as possible at the moment, as you are doing. It's always very sad when well- loved pets get to this stage, whatever their species. Do let us know how she, and you, get on.
