Is my eldest hen starting to decline?

[StardustChicken]

I've got a couple of 5 year olds, as well, and was wondering the same thing. How's your gal doing?

We had a really hot day recently, the "feels like" temperature peeked at 110°F. It was hard on her, she got very dehydrated that day and her comb turned a very pale sickly pink. Took 3 days to get her back to health, she hates being handled and was not happy about having indoor time. Lots of complaining from the Matriarch. She's much better now, just roosts on the ground due to her old legs

 

[Mother of Chaos]

We had a really hot day recently, the "feels like" temperature peeked at 110°F. It was hard on her, she got very dehydrated that day and her comb turned a very pale sickly pink. Took 3 days to get her back to health, she hates being handled and was not happy about having indoor time. Lots of complaining from the Matriarch. She's much better now, just roosts on the ground due to her old legs

She sounds a lot like me (age 70, recovering from a total knee replacement.) Hugs from one matriarch to another.

 

[Madhouse Pullet]

We had a really hot day recently, the "feels like" temperature peeked at 110°F. It was hard on her, she got very dehydrated that day and her comb turned a very pale sickly pink. Took 3 days to get her back to health, she hates being handled and was not happy about having indoor time. Lots of complaining from the Matriarch. She's much better now, just roosts on the ground due to her old legs

I am soo glad to know she's doing better. The Matriarch continues

 

[StardustChicken]

I guess I should update this thread. Turns out I wasn't overreacting. Jessie passed away from old age on 8/28/2025 at 5 years old. I'll miss her and her beautiful golden eyes. May the Matriarch rest well.

 

[Sally PB]

Fly high and free, lovely Jesse.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

So very sorry.

 

[tlcmurphy]

I’m very sorry, I know she had a wonderful life.

 

[BDutch]

 

[Mrs. K]

No, You were not overacting, but there is nothing you can do about it either. "The end is written in the stars." And for the most part, it is beyond human intervention.

As my granddaughter says, "Dang, that is too bad,...but now we can get chicks" The circle of life.

As for how long something should live...look at people. Really a lot of times, there is no rhyme or reason how long someone does live. The same thing is true of chickens. Just enjoy the lived ones today.

Some people do get real old chickens. They seem to get a lot of them. But I don't. I refuse to feel guilty for keeping my chickens in good food, good protection and clean water, and some of them die unexpectedly.

There are no guarantees, and as with all averages, well the ages of death for an average of 5-8 years can be 2 -12.

Mrs K

 

[BDutch]

As my granddaughter says, "Dang, that is too bad,...but now we can get chicks" The circle of life.

Very true for everyone who has limited space for our chickens (we all have in one way or another).
Chicken math can only flourish as long as we like to build bigger or more coops and runs.

This year I had no chicks bc the 2 chicks from last year made my flock complete and there isn’t enough space in the run to add a few more and keep them happy if they can’t free range.