Old(ish??) hens prone to illness?

[WannabeHomsteader]

I have 2 laying hens and 3 pullets. The layers are ISA browns, both a little over 2 years old and still laying every other day or so. I always feel like they're struggling with issues - poor feather growth, unresolved respiratory issues, just weird stuff I can't find causes or solutions for. Furthermore, they're problems that my pullets don't deal with yet, that I have seen. I have reviewed my management practices, space requirements, cleanliness and biosecurity... I don't claim to be the perfect chicken keeper by any stretch, but I am doing my best.

To be clear, I am not looking for treatment plans or suggestions on making them better. Here are my questions I have...
- I know since they're production birds, their lifespan will probably be shorter than average. But do they age faster overall? Or is it only their reproductive system that goes kaput, after laying intensively? I'm trying so hard to figure out why they're my "problem birds".
- When you end up with birds that struggle with their health, when do you decide culling is the better option? How do you evaluate pros and cons? If it helps, these hens are like not-quite-pets for me. I definitely enjoy them, but I don't feel the same way as I would with a dog or a companion animal. And the constant issue management is starting to take the enjoyment out of chicken keeping for me.

 

[BDutch]

I never had Isa browns or any other commercial hybrid. So I cant say anything other than from reading.
These chickens often seem to live shorter than heritage breeds and barnyard mixes. But 3-7 years is still a normal lifespan. However it is possible that your 2 isa browns are less healthy than normal. But we need much much more info than you gave us to make such a statement.

One thing that crossed my mind is that they have started to moult. Its normal chickens will look more miserable and lay less eggs when they start to moult. Many stop to lay completely.

How do the feathers look like?
Best give the hens chick feed with oyster flakes on the side, and maybe some extra proteins (sunflower seeds, mealworms) to give them a boost. Vitamin supplements (line fresh herbs) may do some good too.

If you have the feeling your chickens have a miserable life and its not improving , it’s up to you whether you want to end their lives. But do consider to wait several months to make such a decision, if you don’t mind the egg drop. Chickens often look healthy again when the moulting has finished.

 

[Mrs. K]

Generally - I would expect these birds to live 2.5 - 3.5 years old. However, any bird that is not working out in your flock, should be moved on to someone else's flock, or to the freezer.

Dutch is right - molting hens look terrible, like they have partied hard all night and are hung over and crabby. The end of August, feathers are old, dusty, and kind of ragged. Perfectly normal. When they get through it, they will look a lot better.

Chickens do get old, and their feet, toes, and beak definitely look old, sometimes they are stiff and cranky. Older birds can add a lot to a multi-generational flock.

I try and add some each year, and let some go. But do not feel obligated to keep a bird that is not working out in your flock.

Mrs K