Is your dog's unusual barking a secret code for something mysterious?

[johnandkymberley]

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

[mollyripkim]

So sorry to hear that, but four seems like a good age and at least she went peacefully.

[Plum]

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

[zakjon-98]

Sorry to hear about Laelia I agree 4 is a good age for a hybrid hen.

[johnandkymberley]

Hiya, thanks for that,

 

I didn't think that 4 years was old really? Maybe I have no idea!?

[Olly]

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.

[zakjon-98]

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.