When to have an elderly hen put down?

[jenlt]

Hi folks -

I'm lost as to what I should do. Mabel will be 13 years old in 2 months. She even has gray feathers on her head.

She still eats, runs for treats, roosts, etc. I'm not sure if she is in any pain, but her eyes aren't really as wide as they used to be, so it makes me wonder. She doesn't seem to be hobbling or anything.

She was head hen for 8 years & has taken a back seat in the past year-ish, the others don't seem to pick on her, at least not that I'm aware of, some are 7 years old, some are 4 years old (she would have been good breeding stock) & I think they have respect for her. I have witnessed them trample her though to get to treats, which is disturbing.

She has been more of a loaner in the past month or so, although she never was one to stay with the rest of the flock all day.

How do I know if she is suffering but nothing that I can see?

I've had to put down many chickens (all sorts of other animals as well) over the years, but they all had some sort of bad injury or illness. I don't want to do it just because, but I don't want her to suffer either. I just am not sure what I should do.

Any advice?????

 

[Seaslug]

I just had to put down my 17 year old dog. He was still alert and it was a really hard decision. But 2 weeks earlier we had taken him to the vet and got the diagnosis of bone cancer. Despite that he rallied and played and continued to eat. But in the last days he showed signs of pain and lost his appetite. Today was the first day without him.
When I would explain to people how bright and engaged he was before his death, and how I did not know if I was right keeping him alive because I knew he had some pain, people told me that I would know when it was time.
I do not know your circumstances, but there are many of us out there living fulfilling lives despite having pain or bad days. From what you have posted here (and I only know what I have read), it does not sound as though your hen's quality of life has diminished severely.
I think you will know when it is time. I do not regret any of my 17 years with my dog. 13 years with a hen is a great testament to you both. It may happen soon, but enjoy each day that you have with one another.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Yes, I think she will let you know when it is time, or she will take care of it herself. When you see that she is in pain, and her quality of life has declined, that's when it's time. You are blessed to have had her for so long, and I know you will not let her suffer.