Older hen with purple comb acting lethargic

[fancyfowl4ever]

Purple comb is due to circulation problems, which usually means the heart isn't doing so well. Heart disease would also account for the lethargy.

 

[Stiggy]

well if it turns a yellow green colour and smells like sulfer then its her internal organs shutting down, which would also suggest that she is on her way out

 

[dawg53]

It looked clearish brown

Clearish brown diarrhea can be caused by drinking alot of water due to the heat, or something she ate to cause it...watermelon for example, or worms.

 

[Sparkleyhead]

She died tonight. It was awful.

 

[heartsizedfarm]

She died tonight. It was awful.

Not awful. Just natural. You gave her a good life and gave her the best care you could at the end of her life. I had an old rooster whose comb would occasionally purple and I brought him in the house, fed treats, meds etc. but I came to believe it was a circulatory problem and he passed away this winter in what I think was a very natural way. Old age and the crap that comes with it.

A very pretty solid red hen. Feel good about your time with her and let it go.

 

[heartsizedfarm]

Sometimes, as farmers, we are battling the enemy that can't be beaten.

 

[Sparkleyhead]

Thank you for your kind words. I've had many a beloved pet die in front of me and it never gets any easier. This death in particular was not a peaceful one and it really, truly bothered me that I could do nothing for her in those final moments.

 

[Stiggy]

I'm so sorry for your loss, its always hard when a pet dies, and no it never gets any easier, no matter the circumstances surrounding it or the amount of deaths witnessed. Like what Heartsizedfarm said, the only thing you can do now is mourn for a time, look at the positives like the time you spent with her and the memories shared and pride yourself on the fact that you gave her a good life right up until the end. Once again sorry for your loss, I realise how hard it is

 

[Sparkleyhead]

Thank you for your kind words as well. And also thank you for your help.