My 10 year-old Hen

[havenwoodchix9]

Happy New Year Everyone!
I have a small flock of 5 hens. One of my girls will celebrate her 10th birthday in April. I just celebrated my 66th so if she's anything like me, she has some joint pain. She has definitely slowed down over the last several months. Is there anything that you recommend that I can add to their feed or water that might decrease possible joint discomfort? If there is, how much would I add? They all eat out of the same DIY feeder and share three drinkers. Thanks so much!

 

[GodLovesU]

I’m going to watch this thread.I have two hens who will be 10 yo in spring and one of them is slowing down a little.

 

[townchicks]

Wow, good on you for getting you hen to such a ripe old age. You are likely right that she may have some arthritis as my vet diagnosed my hen with it at seven years. She was given carprofen by the vet, but you need a prescription for that. Some things that help are omega 3 supplements like salmon oil, and glucosamine chondroitin. You can get both at a pet store , marketed for dogs, or at a pharmacy, marketed for humans. You can crush the tablets and add to some soft treat like yogurt or something. The supplements take time to work, and you may not see a huge difference, but they do help. I know from my own experience. It won't hurt your other hen if they share.

 

[dawg53]

Warm water soaks offer immediate pain relief. It's best to soak inside somewhere where it's warm and comfortable for the chicken.
The pain will eventually return especially in cold temps.
Gout can be an issue as well.

 

[havenwoodchix9]

Wow, good on you for getting you hen to such a ripe old age. You are likely right that she may have some arthritis as my vet diagnosed my hen with it at seven years. She was given carprofen by the vet, but you need a prescription for that. Some things that help are omega 3 supplements like salmon oil, and glucosamine chondroitin. You can get both at a pet store , marketed for dogs, or at a pharmacy, marketed for humans. You can crush the tablets and add to some soft treat like yogurt or something. The supplements take time to work, and you may not see a huge difference, but they do help. I know from my own experience. It won't hurt your other hen if they share.

Thank you so much! Would I crush up a whole pill? I’m afraid to over do it. Any advice?

 

[havenwoodchix9]

Warm water soaks offer immediate pain relief. It's best to soak inside somewhere where it's warm and comfortable for the chicken.
The pain will eventually return especially in cold temps.
Gout can be an issue as well.

That’s something I hadn’t thought of-thank you! Happy New Year!

 

[townchicks]

Thank you so much! Would I crush up a whole pill? I’m afraid to over do it. Any advice?

Probably 1/2 tablet of glucosamine will be fine for a chicken, but I don't think you can over do it. Salmon oil is something you can over do, but the same dose for a cat or small dog should be appropriate for a hen.

 

[havenwoodchix9]

Probably 1/2 tablet of glucosamine will be fine for a chicken, but I don't think you can over do it. Salmon oil is something you can over do, but the same dose for a cat or small dog should be appropriate for a hen.

I really appreciate the help. Thank you so much!

 

[Seaslug]

Do you have willow on your property? Willow can often be convinced to leaf out inside and it was the natural source of aspirin. You could always offer willow branches. I have had chickens eat the leaves before.

 

[havenwoodchix9]

Unfortunately we don’t but that’s good to know. Thank you!