Elderly chicken with poopy bum and droopy eyes

[Farmerbetsy]

I don't know how old this lady is. Maybe 9? First she molted. Now her bum is caked with drippy poo and her eyes look saggy. But she was gamely picking on some watermelon. Should we let her senesce on her own, try to get someone to come out and dispatch her, try to do the deed ourselves? I don't know if it's worth trying to medicate her and I'm not talking a post menopausal bird to the vet.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I don't know how old this lady is. Maybe 9? First she molted. Now her bum is caked with drippy poo and her eyes look saggy. But she was gamely picking on some watermelon. Should we let her senesce on her own, try to get someone to come out and dispatch her, try to do the deed ourselves? I don't know if it's worth trying to medicate her and I'm not talking a post menopausal bird to the vet.

Can you post photos of her?

If she seems bright within herself and can eat/drink on her own, then she may not be ready to go if you are willing to give her some extra attention like keeping her bottom clean so she doesn't get FlyStrike. Maybe worming her if you feel that's needed. Checking her weekly for lice/mites and treating accordingly, etc.

If she seems to be in pain, is not eating/drinking, is lethargic, etc. then very well could be her time is near and you need to put her out of her misery.

https://hencam.com/henblog/2013/11/caring-for-feeble-old-hens/