johnandkymberley Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 Hi all, Our poor laelia has passed away today Yesterday she was her normal self, eating and drinking and making chirpy noises and this morning I noticed her sleeping in the run although the door was open. This is rare for any hen I'm sure! So got her out and gave her a full health check and I couldn't find anything unusual apart from her crop had hardly anything in. I put some food and corn around her and she didn't even open her eyes My only thought is that laelia died of old age, she was 4 years old approx When hens pass away due to old age is that how they do it? I'm worried there was something wrong that I didn't pick up on. I've never had a hen that's been so sleepy and lethargic? Is that a hens natural way of passing away? R.i.P Laelia xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 So sorry to hear that, but four seems like a good age and at least she went peacefully. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 It's what happens sometimes whatever age. I had a youngster who was fine and then next day I found her taking her last breaths. You just don't know why. Hens can have the same range of ailments as we have and of course many take a lot of diagnosing. So sorry bet she had a lovely life with you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zakjon-98 Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 Sorry to hear about Laelia I agree 4 is a good age for a hybrid hen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnandkymberley Posted September 7, 2012 Author Share Posted September 7, 2012 Hiya, thanks for that, I didn't think that 4 years was old really? Maybe I have no idea!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 Most hybrids live for 2-3 years - pure breeds may live longer. I have a 4-year old hybrid at the moment but I would say generally anything over 2 is a good length of life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zakjon-98 Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 4 is pretty good for a hybrid as laying loads of eggs can sometimes wear them out it seems. Some hybrids do seem to live a bit longer and black rock/miss pepperpots often are the longest lived hybrids with gingernut types often living shorter lives. You can expect longer from a pure breed though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
