Supporting very old Pekins at end of life

[pigcoon]

My two old girls are about 9 years old. All spring they have been slowing down, having difficulty walking much, not interested any longer in swimming. I believe they are winding down. Is there anything I can do to support them? This feels like palliative care, not quite hospice yet. They are still drinking but not eating very much. They just appear to be resting most of the time. I haven't had the opportunity to be there for ducks just passing away of old age so I don't know what to expect.

 

[KathiQuacks]

@Miss Lydia I know has had some older ducks!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I am sorry your seeing your girls slowing down, but my goodness to have 2 Pekins at 9 yrs old is awesome it means you have taken very good care of them over the years.

I have gone through old age and death with some of mine mainly my Muscovy so far.
I'd get some Poultry Cell and begin using it with them, I may help with appetite. If they have slowed in their walking around they may have arthritis and there are ways to help with pain. Baby aspirin and children's Ibuprofen. My Muscovy drake had arthritis in one of his legs and I started him on Cosequin with MSM it gave him his last 2 yrs walking normally again. You can put them into the pool so they can stay clean just make sure to give them a safe way in and out or put them in and out yourself. Having pool time can help strengthen their leg muscles too.
When they feel their time is getting close they will isolate themselves and I have found they really don't like to be messed with. I do go into their coop and will talk to them but I mostly just let them know I am close by. I hope I have helped some, it's like any pet we give as much support and love as we can then we let them go when their time comes.

 

[pigcoon]

Thank you Miss Lydia! I think they are already isolating. They are staying in their little apartment on the soft wood chips and just sleeping a lot. They are still clean, but that's a good idea to give some supervised swim time if that stops being true. I appreciate your thoughts!! I'll let you know what happens.

 

[pigcoon]

Update. So my girl Daffodil passed away on Monday night.

Here's what I find remarkable. I truly thought that both of them were ready to die. But it turns out that the other one (Tulip) was keeping vigil with Daffodil. She stopped eating and swimming and rooting, and was just sitting by her side until she passed away. Now that she has died, Tulip is mostly back to her regular/old self. She still has arthritis and moves slowly, but she is back to swimming and eating and finding worms. She was keeping vigil and then grieving Daffodil.

The sad thing is that she is now alone. That's hard for a duck I think. I'm trying to spend time with her; she greets me every time I come out of the house. I know it still won't be long for her, and she is more than 9 years old.

 

[CoriM]

It's so heartwarming that you have given these girls such love and care for 9 years! I just love Pekins, but my 3 did not live beyond 4 years, despite my doting on them. You're blessed to have had them so long, and they are lucky you were their family! I'm sorry about your loss. Must be so hard after all these years.

 

[pigcoon]

Thank you so much CoriM! I appreciate your words of kindness and support. I am going to miss them. I don't think I'll be getting more ducks due to other factors, so when Tulip goes, we'll be disassembling their pen, which really is hard after all these years.

 

[Miss Lydia]

@pigcoon
I am so sorry I am just now seeing this. I am sorry for your loss of Daffodil. I am sure being together for so many years they had a very strong bond, so precious tulip stayed with her until the end. If you have a mirror you can put in with her it might give her some comfort when you can't be with her.

 

[pigcoon]

@pigcoon
I am so sorry I am just now seeing this. I am sorry for your loss of Daffodil. I am sure being together for so many years they had a very strong bond, so precious tulip stayed with her until the end. If you have a mirror you can put in with her it might give her some comfort when you can't be with her.

Thank you for that idea! I will look at the local Goodwill for a mirror I can give her. I love the ideas on this site!

 

[Gavinthechickenman]

So sorry for your loss glad the other one is doing great though