Rooster dying of old age? Need your thoughts please. :'(

Sunflower

Songster
12 Years
Apr 10, 2007
128
0
139
Berryton, KS
I've got a 7 year old leghorn that I believe is dying from old age. "Art" has just been changing over the last month, really ever since the big polar vortex. He just couldn't seem to get warm. He seems a little disoriented at times. His craw is ok, I've given him extra protein, put on heating lamp just so he could warm up, organic feed, he doesn't have worms or lice. Put them all on antibiotics, which I didn't believe would make a difference, but just in case. I've never had one die of old age, they usually get really sick. But this time, I'm thinking he's just old. Anyone else have chickens just as pets been through this? #heartbroken
 
I think I would bring him in for the winter. Do you have a basement or room where he could stay, perhaps with a buddy? Heat lamps can be dangerous, and also not good for respiratory health in the coop long term. Flat roosts so they can cover their feet, and no direct drafts should be good. Overhead ventilation to prevent high moisture which can cause frostbite is important.
 
I do not have a chicken that is old or has gotten old as a pet. I had a dog that did and have a dog now that is getting old.

Every time she sits/lays on my lap and I am rubbing her head I wonder how many more times I will get to do this.

On the other dog that got old, We kept her as happy and comfortable as possible. When she could no longer walk without falling and was unable to control her bladder and did nothing but cry in pain we helped her go to the next world.

It was the hardest thing I have ever done. I still wonder if it was the right thing to do. With old age she had diabetes, Cushing disease and a bunch of minor problems. The Vet said she could extend her life by a few months, but it would have cost us $6,000 dollars and we would have had to give her shots everyday.


If I have a turkey or Chicken that get that old and I think they are dying, I hope I have the strength and internal fortitude to help them along their journey.

I think as long as your rooster is able to enjoy some of life I would do what it takes, high protein feed, heat lamps, warm water and so forth. When the inevitable becomes apparent I would try to help end the suffering.

I know I am not much comfort. I know if I was in your situation I would want someone to state the obvious even if I was trying to deny it.

Enjoy your pet as long as you can.

And I truly hope this is not taken as heartless or cruel. It is not meant that way.
I am sorry for your pain.
 
Thank you both for your comments. It is very helpful! Art passed away peacefully with his momma (me) by his side, talking gently to him telling him all the while what a good boy he has been. I believe it must have just been old age, natural causes as he had no symptoms as those that passed before him. He looked directly at me and knows how much he was loved. Rest in peace Art.
 
Thank you both for your comments. It is very helpful! Art passed away peacefully with his momma (me) by his side, talking gently to him telling him all the while what a good boy he has been. I believe it must have just been old age, natural causes as he had no symptoms as those that passed before him. He looked directly at me and knows how much he was loved. Rest in peace Art.


Sorry for your loss.

You can peace in knowing you gave him a good life.
 
Thank you both for your comments. It is very helpful! Art passed away peacefully with his momma (me) by his side, talking gently to him telling him all the while what a good boy he has been. I believe it must have just been old age, natural causes as he had no symptoms as those that passed before him. He looked directly at me and knows how much he was loved. Rest in peace Art.

So sorry for the loss of your beloved rooster son.
Your comment brought tears to my eyes. He had a wonderful life. He made a difference, and will be missed. If people only realized how wonderful good roosters can be, they would never tolerate another moment with an unbalanced rooster. He was a lucky boy to have such a good home that cared so much for him. Best to you.
 

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