Omlet cube and run

[Scottie]

Bunty, our Cream Legbar is almost 6 years old. She's never been a particularly good layer and hasn't laid for about a year. Her comb is pale and her face is rather jaundiced looking. Every morning she is last out of the Cube and she's usually first to bed. She doesn't appear to eat very much, but pecks about in the garden fairly happily. The other hens (3 old and 7 new) don't bother her at all. She seems to stand for long periods with her eyes closed. She doesn't appear to be in any discomfort but is rather 'puffed up'. Do you think she's just old? I am hesitant to take her to the vet as I think they might just suggest putting her to sleep. Any advice gratefully received.

[Olly]

Sorry to say that at six years old, she is probably reaching the end of her natural span - it's a good age for a hen.

 

If she is exhibiting normal chicken behaviour (pecking, running for treats, dustbathing) although moving more slowly than the others, then she is probably ok. If she is not joining in chicken activities, and is standing in a hunched position with her head down for long periods, then she may be in pain - the 'puffed up' could indicate fluid on her abdomen. If you think that she is in pain, then you should take her to a vet - there may not be anything they can do for a hen of this age, but in that case it would be kinder to put her to sleep.

[Scottie]

Just to let you know that I took Bunty to the vet this morning. He thought she had something serious going on digestive wise and was jaundiced and very thin. I left her to be put to sleep.

[Egghead68]

Very sorry to hear this.

[Purplemaniacs]

So sorry to hear the sad update.

 

Chrissie