My old lady hen is slowly dying

[Amy_thechickenlady]

Thank you everyone! My gut says to euthanize her. But also, I've gone to bed almost every night for 3 weeks thinking she wasn't going to be alive when I get up in the morning! She's kind of amazing.

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. Best of Luck with Nugget. And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska !

 

[chrissynemetz]

I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. The fact that she's almost 11 speaks volumes about the way you've cared for her.

 

[N F C]

Thank you for sharing a bit about Nugget with us, that's amazing she's been with you for so long.

Best wishes.

 

[PippinTheChicken]

Welcome to the flock.
The fact that she's lived such a good life for so long tells me that you should trust your gut. You seem to know what's best for her.
It's a tough thing to do, but it's also the fairest.

 

[Shadrach]

Hello Amy_thechickenlady
Welcome to BYC.
What a lovely hen Nugget is.
I've had a few pensioners over the years. They've ranged from nine to twelve years old.
I try very hard to judge at what point their quality of live has declined to an unacceptable state.
When a chicken loses interest in eating at that kind of age, that for me has been the sign that it's time for them to die.
All these chickens have been free range and have lived that way all their lives.
I don't bring them inside, I leave them with their family and at night put a quick and hopefullly painless end to them.

 

[PippinTheChicken]

Let her see her family, give her lots of attention etc. Give her the best day to say goodbye

 

[Grammy60]

Hello and welcome to BYC So sorry Nugget is not well You've been given great advice by others. Best wishes

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

So sorry for your circumstances

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome. I won't give you any advice because this is a very personal choice. My heart is with you.