8 Year old Cochin Hen with pale comb

[Granny Chicken]

My Cochin Kojira is now 8.5 year's old. She is my "Baby girl" and has been my "Support" thru alot of really tough times.
When I fed her I saw that her comb is very pale and the area around her eye's is very gray no longer bright ted.
She laid a couple of eggs last year and that was the end of that.
She has been eating Layena Cumbles, Scratch Grains, Strawberries, Grape leaves, Watermelon, and any Bug's that cross her path. Drinking water as usual.
She is talkative and still chirps when I talk to her.
I know this could be caused by many many things, worms, mites, nutrition, hormonal imbalance, cardioascular issues, kidney issues, or just plain old age.
Yes it's been hot weather 80"s to 90's, but her coop is on the patio which is shaded covered in grape vines plus the west side of her coop has a reflective tarp over it.
Three years ago she got really sick with some Micro organism that was spread from a new hen. The Vet wanted to put her down. We said No, and we treated her with Colloidal Silver daily and saved her life.
I don't know where to begin now, and don't know what to look for.
I am so freaked knowing she could die soon and I'm not ready to say good bye.
She is like a child to me.
Some people think chickens are just dumb but they are so so wrong, they are so loving and loyal, best pets ever.
Please advise.
Thank you in advance.

 

[MagdaMae]

I can offer some food for thought. I assume that you have dewormed her. We've had a few chickens live until 14 years old. When you said she is pale one thing did come to mind that you did not mention. I she still laying eggs? Ear color can change before and after egg laying. I wonder if age can have anything to do with the color of her comb and ears. Is she in a molt? I would stop the scratch. It has no real nutritional value. Is it possible that she is enjoying so many different foods that she only consumes the tasty things. This could cause a deficiency. Just some things to ponder. Best of luck

 

[The Phantom]

That is just because she is so old and not laying.

 

[Granny Chicken]

I can offer some food for thought. I assume that you have dewormed her. We've had a few chickens live until 14 years old. When you said she is pale one thing did come to mind that you did not mention. I she still laying eggs? Ear color can change before and after egg laying. I wonder if age can have anything to do with the color of her comb and ears. Is she in a molt? I would stop the scratch. It has no real nutritional value. Is it possible that she is enjoying so many different foods that she only consumes the tasty things. This could cause a deficiency. Just some things to ponder. Best of luck

I can offer some food for thought. I assume that you have dewormed her. We've had a few chickens live until 14 years old. When you said she is pale one thing did come to mind that you did not mention. I she still laying eggs? Ear color can change before and after egg laying. I wonder if age can have anything to do with the color of her comb and ears. Is she in a molt? I would stop the scratch. It has no real nutritional value. Is it possible that she is enjoying so many different foods that she only consumes the tasty things. This could cause a deficiency. Just some things to ponder. Best of luck

Hi MagdaMae
No Kojira has stopped laying eggs. She laid a couple of small ones last year.
She doesn't get much Scratch Grains maybe 5%, mostly Layena Cumbles.
I started giving her fruit when it got really hot this week.
I plan on dusting her and the coop with DE tomorrow.
Should I give her the probotics from the Feed store?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Do you have any photos of her?

Getting a fecal float to rule out worms is a good idea.
Also check to make sure her crop is empty in the morning before she eats/drinks and look for any external parasites. If you find any, then treat her with a Permethrin based poultry spray or dust.

You have done well to have a hen that is 8.5yrs old. The symptoms you describe could just be age related since most chickens do not live that long.
Here's a good Article about aging hens.

 

[Granny Chicken]

Hi All to my Backyard Chicken Family:

I just got home from work and found my Baby girl Kojira in her coop.

She has passed away now and own her way to the Rainbow Bridge.

I'm really going to miss her something terrible. . .

Thank you for all your advice.
It was just her time.

 

[lilmillefleur]

aww I'm sorry, Kojira sounds like a really sweet girl, almost dog like.
I hope you feel better soon.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm very sorry to hear about Kojira

 

[Granny Chicken]

aww I'm sorry, Kojira sounds like a really sweet girl, almost dog like.
I hope you feel better soon.

Thank you for your support.
I'm glad I got to have her for so long.
She will be missed.

 

[Granny Chicken]

I'm very sorry to hear about Kojira

Thank you for your support.
I'm really going to miss her.