Old Chicken... Coming Close to That Time;(

[Sweetchild_Leah]

4/2/20
Hope y'all are having a wonderful day, thank you for popping in to read my post. Hopefully you can help.
One of our lovely Black Australorps from our first generation, about 6 years old, has a matter of days it appears. It started two days ago when I approached herr standing with her sister hen and she didn't resist me picking her up at all(they usually do when I haven't been around, which I hadn't). And tonight, she couldn't jump into their roost! It pained me greatly to watch her struggle to jump but she just couldn't. I ended up leavign her there, knowing she'll eventually lay down on the floor of the roost. She'll be safe, with the doors closed, but I don't want her to have to sleep on their floor until she passes.
I am at a loss, I understand these are natural things but what actions should I take to ensure she doesn't die painfully? We had a chicken who was sick and she died of a heart attack, which was probably very scary for her. Please let me know of any ways y'all handle a chicken dying of old age.
Thank you for reading, and hopefully leaving a tip or two.

 

[Bean15]

I'm sorry that you're having to experience this, it's very hard.

I'm not sure of any ways to help, other than letting nature take its course. Maybe feed her some treats; reward her for being a good chicken for all 6 of these years. give her some extra cuddles, she deserves it.
best of luck.

 

[Mtnboomer]

Im sorry for your chicken's condition and pending fate. The merciful thing to do is to euthanize and end her suffering sooner rather than later.
Your choice of method is up to you and your proficiency, but remember that its an act of kindness. You are honoring and respecting her life by not allowing her to suffer needlessly. Be calm and deliberate.