Help with a 12 year old hen

[FrizzlesRule]

I know she is old, 12 years old. I've had her since she hatched back in 2003. She is not digesting her food and is losing weight. I'm not ready to give up on her just because she is old. She is a sebright/cochin/silkie mix and has never been sick and has always been full of life until the last month. She is still eating, but losing weight. Any suggestions or help would be appreciated.

 

[cafarmgirl]

Has she been dewormed? Does her crop empty overnight like it should? Any swelling or bloating in her lower belly?

 

[dawg53]

Worming would be a good idea if you havnt already done so as Cafarmgirl mentioned. Then give her buttermilk mixed with scrambled egg in her feed to make a mash for her to eat, make it kind of liquidy for better gut absorption for a few days.

 

[FrizzlesRule]

She doesn't have worms and is not eggbound. Way too old lay. But her problem is her crop is NOT emptying over night like it should and that's why she is losing weight. I give her the best feed and yes she gets grit and greens and plenty of fresh water. Could is be just old age?

 

[dawg53]

Impacted crop or impacted gizzard if neither are emptying overnight. Tomato juice might get things moving.

 

[FrizzlesRule]

Impacted crop or impacted gizzard if neither are emptying overnight. Tomato juice might get things moving.

Should I give it straight or mixed with water?

 

[dawg53]

Straight.

 

[FrizzlesRule]

Thanks, I will try it.