My Rooster Is Succumbing to Heart Failure

[raingarden]

If he is struggling to breathe and it is irreversible then it might not be a good life, with or without hens. Rather than dragging it out you might consider having the vet euthanize him now.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would let him spend all of his time with the hens, living as normal a life as possible. Give his usual chicken feed with an occasional treat such as egg or tuna that he likes. He reminds me of my salmon faverolles rooster Sam who died a year ago, surrounded by his hens.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

If he is struggling to breathe and it is irreversible then it might not be a good life, with or without hens. Rather than dragging it out you might consider having the vet euthanize him now.

Sorry for the late response--I hadn't been on BYC for a spell. But I appreciate everyone's insights. I am considering euthanization if it drags out and he seems to be suffering. So far he seems to still get enjoyment out of the day-to-day, and will eat just enough mash to keep trucking. He just can't be as active as he used to be, as it gets him out of breath.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

I would let him spend all of his time with the hens, living as normal a life as possible. Give his usual chicken feed with an occasional treat such as egg or tuna that he likes. He reminds me of my salmon faverolles rooster Sam who died a year ago, surrounded by his hens.

Thank you for sharing your experience--sounds like a beautiful way to go for your Sam. They do love their ladies to the end.

Oz is still with us. He seems to have plateaued at a point where he eats and drinks just enough to keep on keeping on and doesn't seem to be deteriorating beyond his current state. Nights get cold now, so I take him in during the late afternoon to enjoy a mash to himself, and then take him back out after a long morning (and a breakfast mash). He seems to enjoy his "alone time" with food and relative warmth, and is always happy to spend the day with his ladies. I think is the best happy medium for him at this point.