Very elderly leghorn hen walking like a duck

[Opiumbrella]

Man my heart can't take much more of this. This summer has been one thing after another, and while I'm sure it is because my ladies are so old, it really sucks.
I have a white leghorn who is ten years old. One of her sisters passed very recently from old age. Now another is walking like a duck with her tail down. And she keeps sticking her wings out for balance when it gets really bad. She is eating and still running around with the flock. She hasn't laid eggs in years. So my fear when I saw that of internal laying, is not feasible right? Could it be arthritis/old age? I examined her, I can't feel any masses or swelling anywhere.
I want to so whatever I can to help but I just can't pay to take her to the vet with the pandemic aided financial issues we have at the moment. If anyone has any ideas how to help i would really appreciate it.
When you have a flock that gets very old together, your going to have a time when theu start having age related issues and deaths frequently yes? It's been so many issues this summer I can't help but worry I'm doing something wrong.

 

[PippinTheChicken]

A video would help

 

[PippinTheChicken]

@casportpony @Wyorp Rock @Eggcessive @aart @azygous

 

[Eggcessive]

I have very old chickens as well, and have been losing a few of them each year. I do think it could be a reproductive infection, such as egg yolk peritonitis, or water belly. Those will make them walk like a duck or penguin, prefer to sit around, and not feel well. Is she eating and drinking? Does her lower belly seem enlarged? Is she having trouble breathing? If you suspect ascites (water belly,) you can try to drain some fluid with an 18 gauge or larger needle. She may also have some arthritis as well. I would try to keep her comfortable and eating, but if she seems to be suffering, it might be good to consider euthanizing her.

 

[Opiumbrella]

I have very old chickens as well, and have been losing a few of them each year. I do think it could be a reproductive infection, such as egg yolk peritonitis, or water belly. Those will make them walk like a duck or penguin, prefer to sit around, and not feel well. Is she eating and drinking? Does her lower belly seem enlarged? Is she having trouble breathing? If you suspect ascites (water belly,) you can try to drain some fluid with an 18 gauge or larger needle. She may also have some arthritis as well. I would try to keep her comfortable and eating, but if she seems to be suffering, it might be good to consider euthanizing her.

Her abdomen and vent have no swelling at all. She is eating her feed, drinking and running around hunting bugs in my garden and dust bathing with her sisters.
No heavy breathing, or any other discernible symptoms. She is VERY old, and has lost a little weight and slowed down a bit this summer, but otherwise still seems happy to do all the normal chicken things. And will make a mad dash across the yard for her dried BSF larva.

 

[Eggcessive]

I usually do a necropsy on my old hens, just to see what is in the abdomen. Even old hens who did not lay for years, some had masses of lash egg material, cancer, a discolored liver, or other odd findings. Hopefully, she will live a bit longer since she likes her snacks.

 

[dawg53]

Any swelling of the feet? Gout comes to mind and happens in older birds.

 

[Opiumbrella]

Any swelling of the feet? Gout comes to mind and happens in older birds.

No swelling in her feet at all. And it seems to mostly in the evenings. Like running around all day makes her stiff. I have put her on turmeric and grapes for inflammation. But I'm starting to think that it is just arthritis. As she seems to have better and worse days. And it seems to be worse in the evenings. Much like my arthritis lol. But I can't find any swelling in her feet or abdomen. I built her steps to her roost and am keeping and eye on her. But she seems happy to do her thing, eat her treats, and peck anyone who challenges her for food.