What would cause a single old hen to loose weight?

[sphinxface]

So I don’t weigh my chooks on a regular basis, I weighed her several years ago and she was almost 5lbs, she’s gotta be less than 4 now, she’s really light. She Completely stopped laying last year and was only laying maybe 1 egg every other month before that. She also has some other symptoms, a bit lethargic, puffy eyes, heavy breathing, sneezing a lot-she’s been this way for a few months actually, but none of the other girls have any symptoms. She is eating, drinking, and pooping normally. I know she’s old but I’m also still just wondering what’s up?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

You received some excellent input about old hens in your previous thread.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...hing-old-hens-die-from.1381038/#post-22691852

Lethargic, puffy eyes, heavy breathing and sneezing a lot sound like respiratory illness - have you added new birds in the last 30 days?


https://hencam.com/henblog/2013/11/caring-for-feeble-old-hens/

 

[sphinxface]

You received some excellent input about old hens in your previous thread.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...hing-old-hens-die-from.1381038/#post-22691852

Lethargic, puffy eyes, heavy breathing and sneezing a lot sound like respiratory illness - have you added new birds in the last 30 days?


https://hencam.com/henblog/2013/11/caring-for-feeble-old-hens/

This is a different hen, the last hen passed away and her symptoms were much more severe and acute... and no new chickens... can respiratory illnesses be a long term thing?

 

[coach723]

can respiratory illnesses be a long term thing?

Yes, they can. Some are chronic, symptoms may come and go, or symptoms may show up during times of stress or when weakened by anything else. Many of the virus's stay with the bird for life, and they are carriers.