Is my eldest hen starting to decline?

[StardustChicken]

My eldest bird in the flock is a Midnight Majesty Maran named Jessie who will be turning 5 on July 20th. She's always been the top hen in the pecking order and has maintained that position all her life, earning her the nickname "The Matriarch".

Supposedly MMMs live for 5-8 years, but I haven't had to deal with a chicken passing from old age and don't know to expect firsthand.

The last week she's been roosting on the ground instead of her usual perch and the last few days I've noticed her comb drooping.

Normal comb position (taken in October):

Vs. current position

It doesn't show up on camera well but the top part of her comb is a slightly paler shade than the rest

She has also been having diarrhea recently (taking a bath in the picture above) and seems not to be moving as quickly as she use to. Still has a healthy appetite (loves her raspberries) and free-ranges with the rest of the flock. Her body cavity (behind the legs) feels sort of firm, but it should be noted she hasn't laid eggs for over a year.

Am I being too paranoid or do you think it might be the very early stages of decline due to old age?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Most chickens die rather quickly, whether younger or older. I've not seen any decline in older birds beyond cessation of laying, and perhaps some arthritis in the feet and legs. Generally if the comb is bright red it means the bird is in good condition and is healthy. Most chickens live from 4-10 years of age. Some less, some more.

 

[StardustChicken]

Most chickens die rather quickly, whether younger or older. I've not seen any decline in older birds beyond cessation of laying, and perhaps some arthritis in the feet and legs. Generally if the comb is bright red it means the bird is in good condition and is healthy. Most chickens live from 4-10 years of age. Some less, some more.

I did think it was more related to arthritis at first but then her droopy comb was making me overthink it. Perhaps it's this heat being tougher on an older gal

 

[rosemarythyme]

Sounds like she's slowing down overall, which is age related, but still doing ok. Eating and drinking fine? Still interested in scratching around or general chicken activities?

 

[StardustChicken]

Sounds like she's slowing down overall, which is age related, but still doing ok. Eating and drinking fine? Still interested in scratching around or general chicken activities?

Yes to all. A little slower but still free-ranges with the flock and still takes her job as "Boss Hen" very seriously. I might've jumped the gun a bit, but better to be overly cautious than sorry

 

[rosemarythyme]

Sad reality is if she's simply "old" there isn't much you can do other than make things as comfortable as you can for her. My oldest hen, now 9, prefers a human elevator off the roost in the morning - she can get down, she just would rather not. She also sits in the run and complains during free range time - she wants to go out but doesn't actually want to move to get there, so I carry her (which she complains about too) - and then once she's out she simply parks in one spot and picks at the grass around her. But she still lays once in a blue moon, eats well, and is in otherwise decent shape... just not very active overall.

 

[BDutch]

Am I being too paranoid or do you think it might be the very early stages of decline due to old age?

Maybe she’s just not feeling too well temporarily.

Supposedly MMMs live for 5-8 years,

What makes you think 5-8 years? Why not 6-15 years? Not laying anymore is an indication of getting old. But it’s not always old age, it happens bc of an infection too.
If hens stop laying, their combs are getting paler. It does when they moult and when they quit laying in autumn/winter too.

I have 2 10yo chickens who still lay and are very fit. Look the same as when they were 3 - 5 yo.
Another hen I have is 11 , she stopped laying and is getting old in the way she looks and behaves. Some feathers took a long time to grow back after her moult last autumn/winter. She sits a lot now when the others are active. Goes to roost before the others and chooses the lower roost.
The only things I do is to make sure that if I give treats that she gets some too.
And I make a bowl with wet chick feed every day. Her favourite standard food.

 

[StardustChicken]

What makes you think 5-8 years? Why not 6-15 years?

I said "supposedly" because that is the rough average several sites claim for this particular breed. But, of course, this can vary depending on care/genetics.

 

[StardustChicken]

Anyone have experience treating chicken arthritis/managing the symptoms? I've had some people suggest stuff like coconut oil or absorbine veterinary horse liniment gel. Any other recommendations or what works best for you?