Dying of old age?

[PippinTheChicken]

She's getting lots of cuddles and extra treats. just breaks my heart.

It must be so hard. I am relatively new to this so none of my girls have... Um.. Died yet. But if anything ever happened to them i would be absolutely crushed

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Whiles sexlinks are production birds and are bred to lay en egg daily for about 2-3 years, they can and often live many years after this, just with decrease in egg production. I have a friend who has a RSL hen that is 7 years old and still lays an egg now and then.
Sorry your girl is unwell. Definitely worth trying to save her.

 

[Stuwe]

Her comb looks purple to me. (Anyone think that?) Purple comb is a sign of reduced O2. Either a heart problem, circulatory problem, breathing problem, it's hard to say. Three years old even for a hybrid is a little short. However, they are at a much higher risk for dying due to prolapses, egg binding, egg peritonitis, or reproductive cancer. The first three can be treatable depending on the stage that it was first observed. I'd see if you can get some antibiotics, and check her vent for signs of infection or being egg bound. Feel her abdomen to see if its swollen and poofy. Have you checked her crop? Is it full? Empty? Hard? Squishy? Check for mites or lice as well.

See original post - her crop feels fine. Her vent is not obstructed. No mites. The only symptom she seems to display is being puffed up and sleepy. She still eats and drinks and as of this morning her poo is normal. I just don't know if I am worrying to worry, you know?

 

[Stuwe]

It must be so hard. I am relatively new to this so none of my girls have... Um.. Died yet. But if anything ever happened to them i would be absolutely crushed

I know how you feel. We lost 2 chicks this year and it was utterly devastating. Thought I was tougher, guess not...

 

[Stuwe]

Whiles sexlinks are production birds and are bred to lay en egg daily for about 2-3 years, they can and often live many years after this, just with decrease in egg production. I have a friend who has a RSL hen that is 7 years old and still lays an egg now and then.
Sorry your girl is unwell. Definitely worth trying to save her.

Putting all my effort into it. Getting meds within the hour. Hoping for a miracle.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

See original post - her crop feels fine. Her vent is not obstructed. No mites. The only symptom she seems to display is being puffed up and sleepy. She still eats and drinks and as of this morning her poo is normal. I just don't know if I am worrying to worry, you know?

Personally I’d start her on some antibiotics for possible saloingitits, de-worming meds, and corrid. Especially if she isn’t laying, there is no risk of eating a medicated egg. I’ve seen miracles occur with antibiotics.

 

[Meg-in-MT]

When was the last time you got an egg from her? Does she act like she's straining or is her vent pulsating? Her comb does look very purple.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

See original post - her crop feels fine.

What does "crop feels fine" mean to you?? Is it emptying overnight? When are you feeling of the crop?

I agree with @humblehillsfarm comb looks purple. I would try treating her and see how it goes.
Photo of poop may be helpful.

Her comb looks purple to me. (Anyone think that?) Purple comb is a sign of reduced O2. Either a heart problem, circulatory problem, breathing problem, it's hard to say. Three years old even for a hybrid is a little short. However, they are at a much higher risk for dying due to prolapses, egg binding, egg peritonitis, or reproductive cancer. The first three can be treatable depending on the stage that it was first observed. I'd see if you can get some antibiotics, and check her vent for signs of infection or being egg bound. Feel her abdomen to see if its swollen and poofy. Have you checked her crop? Is it full? Empty? Hard? Squishy? Check for mites or lice as well.

Personally I’d start her on some antibiotics for possible saloingitits, de-worming meds, and corrid. Especially if she isn’t laying, there is no risk of eating a medicated egg. I’ve seen miracles occur with antibiotics.

 

[Stuwe]

I would definitely treat her with amprol or sulfa, both available at most feed stores. Three years old is definitely not a typical lifespan, some of my hens are 6-7 years old and still laying a few eggs per week.

here's a question - I went and got some Corid and a de-wormer (just in case). One of my gals is molting right now. Will the Corid be too hard on her system? I don't want to make her sick by making sure she doesn't get sick, you know?

 

[Stuwe]

When was the last time you got an egg from her? Does she act like she's straining or is her vent pulsating? Her comb does look very purple.

it's been about 9 months since her last egg. she's not straining and pooping normal. she's still eating and drinking, but not much.