10 yr old hen - is she dying or does she need treatment/meds

[Marc_M]

So, Virginia is a 10 yr. old Araucana and she has been sitting in a nesting box for the past 4 days. Her back end pulses from time to time and she moves to other boxes when the other hens come in to lay. I haven't seen her eat or drink (save for when I put her directly in from of the water pan).
When she stands, her tail droops down and she isn't here feisty self. Her eyes are clear and bright.
I haven't seen her poop and the area around her cloaca has some dried excrement, the the cloaca is not obstructed in any way.
I've checked for egg-bound and tried to feed here yoghurt (she likes it) but she doesn't want it.
At first, due to her age, I thought it was just time to pass on, but she's still in the same condition.
I've posted pics. Anyone have any thoughts or help. Very much appreciated in advance.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I am no expert. But, 10 yrs sounds like a great life for a chicken!
Is she usually so round? Obviously she isn't feeling well with that posture and her tail down.

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

Greetings Marc_M,

It's hard to know exactly by looking at a picture, what is making a chicken sick.

But, the stance and position of the wings do indicate, and internal issue. Most likely a reproductive failure, such as internal egg laying. Her back end pulsing is also an indicator that she is contracting her muscles. If an egg has fallen into the coelomic cavity, she may absorb it in time. Because of her age, the stress alone could cause her death. But, also because of her age, she most likely has very few egg follicles left, which may give her time to absorb the egg before another moves down. As long as the egg doesn't rupture inside of her, from rough handling or jumping, she may have a chance.

Another scenario, is that she has tumors which are pressing on the oviduct and other organs. This too, will cause her to feel as though an egg must be laid.

Worst case scenario, she has both and egg in the coelomic cavity and tumors. This was the case for one of my young hens. The egg ruptured and ended her life quickly. Otherwise, she may have lived another year or more.

What to do for your hen?

It's wonderful that she has made it to tens years! You have obviously taken very good care of her.

Extreme medical intervention, like surgery, to remove either an egg or tumor is not feasible. But, some keepers do have implants to control hormones put into the hen by an avian vet. Spaying is another option. But, she is an old gal, I wouldn't put her through that.

I would provide good supportive care for her. Even hospice care, and see if she can recover.

Here are some things you may want to do, or not:

• A warm Epsom Salt bath twice a week.
• Keeping the vent area clean of fecal matter
• 40 mg. Aspirin, every 12 hours, for 7 days
• Broad spectrum antibiotic for treatment or prevention of infection, during recovery
• a dose of calcium may be helpful, as older hens don't get enough
• If the hen is off feed, offer: cooked brown rice or other whole grains, minced cooked meat protein, cooked egg, cooked vegies, diced fruit, a small amount of wet mash should be offered daily.
• Provide fresh water with electrolytes daily, for 3 days.
• If the hen will not eat, manual feeding with a bird meal replacement formula, 40-50 mL, daily, (I use Hemp Protein Powder) this will hydrate and nourish the hen.
• temperature of 75 to 80 degrees F.
• Wrap the hen in a large towel and place on a pillow, if she appears to be moving towards death. Place the hen on an incline to keep the upper body and head elevated.

These are all things I have done with my hens, some recover, and some don't. But, all are cared for with compassion and tenderness during this time.

These are my thoughts on your hen's issue. I hope I have been helpful.

God Bless and peace to you

 

[Eggcessive]

She has the universal appearance of a chicken who is uncomfortable. Has she laid eggs recently? That would be pretty amazing at 10 if she had been. I have one 7 year old easter egger who still lays a pretty blue egg, but most of my others 5 and 6 years have stopped for some time.

I would try just getting her to drink water with some electrolytes. Then offer some wet and runny chicken feed in a bowl. Chopped egg may be tempting as well.

How does her lower belly feel? Is it enlarged or puffy, or firm and tight? How is her crop feeling—empty, full, firm, or puffy? Her bottom doesn’t look too bad, but she may have had some runny poops.

I would just see how she does, and if she acts like she is suffering, it might be time to put her down. But if she seems to have a treatable condition, I would see if she might need a round of antibiotics or maybe worming.

 

[BirdGirl2004]

Aww. Well it seems like she's has a great, full life! It might not be anything that was "done to her" or something that "happened" but just that her body is slowing down because she'd so old! Awesome job raising her this old though!!