Old hen cognitive deficits

[cate1124]

Wonder if I might hear from azygous and other veterans who've had experience with many geriatric hens.

My 10-year-old buff Orpington, Tess, is showing what appear to be symptoms of cognitive decline, perhaps small neurological events like TIAs in humans. I first noticed her turning repeatedly in a loose circle for 30-45 seconds before heading in a certain direction, much like a motorist uncertain how to exit a roundabout; she does this sporadically. She is off by herself more -- not cuing off the flock as much -- though she is the flock leader. I will see her standing in front of the nest box, also looking at but not eating morning scratch. Last night she seemed to forget how to roost, so I placed her on her perch; she also stays on the roost long after the other hens have come down in the mornings.

I'm seeing no physical impairment, and she's happy to eat hardboiled egg when I offer it to her, so not really inappetence, either. She continues to vocalize and walk around, though at the slower pace conferred by age. She just seems to be losing her memory about what it is she is supposed to do.

Anyone else see this sort of behavior in very aged hens? My plan is to support her as much as I can, though she may eventually stop feeling the "eat" impulse even with food especially proffered ....

 

[dawg53]

Those are the symptoms of a senior hen and there's not much that can be done except comfort care.

 

[cate1124]

Those are the symptoms of a senior hen and there's not much that can be done except comfort care.

I sort of figured. Thanks for responding. She's been a bossy, brassy blond -- though also quite affectionate -- for more than a decade. She'll be tough to lose for both me and the flock, but it's coming.

 

[dawg53]

I sort of figured. Thanks for responding. She's been a bossy, brassy blond -- though also quite affectionate -- for more than a decade. She'll be tough to lose for both me and the flock, but it's coming.

I can relate. I wish you and your hen the best.

 

[cate1124]

I can relate. I wish you and your hen the best.

For dawg53 and those who were interested enough to read, an update:

My poultry vet made a house call yesterday, examined Tess and palpated a mass on her oviduct. Neurological symptoms I was seeing could have been due to metastases that affected her brain. She was euthanized and died peacefully.

My vet -- she treats livestock and chickens, both of which she has had and loves -- asks a couple of questions pertinent to deciding whether to euthanize: Can the animal still do the things that make its kind happy, i.e. with chickens, scratching, pecking, sun- and dirtbathing, running about, eating enthusiastically, interacting with flock mates, etc. The second question: Does s/he look happy to be here?

They are good questions I hope will help others make this difficult decision. The answer was "no" to both for Tess. I'll miss her terribly and never forget her, but the disorientation had to have felt stressful to her, and she has been spared the pain of advancing cancer.

Best to all who are appreciating their chickens' lives and mourning their deaths.