Is my old near-blind chicken okay

[flyinferg]

Hello all, I have had my chicken Nancy for 4 years. She came to me, as a pet, from a family who had to move, guessing she was 5 then, so close to 9 by now. She has been a wonderful gardening companion for years. In the past four months, it appears she is having trouble seeing. She used to help me weed, snatching up worms and potato bugs. It seems as though she cannot see well. She is unable to see her favorite blackberries when I place them on the ground and/or hold them near her beak. I seldom see her eat although she seems to be still healthy. She has a skittish rescued chicken friend named Cinnamon who we have had for two years. They hang out in the yard. Wondering... at what point will I have to take her to the vet to send her to the Happy Hunting Ground? I am able to take her to the vet if you think she should be examined. Nancy is my first chicken experience. She has been a wonderful addition to our small family.

 

[WoDia]

@flyinferg Since you can take her to a vet, a thorough checkup is a good idea (for an eye check, and to see if there’s anything she might be lacking as far as nutrition goes). If her pupils don’t appear clear, she may have cataracts, or some other eye issue. This is my opinion only, but there’s no need to have her euthanized just because she’s old and may be losing her eyesight. I’ve had many chickens live well into old age, and I’ve always given them the extra care needed until their times came. If her quality of life isn’t declining, she will adjust and continue on until one day you’ll find that she has passed (or has declined so terribly, that you’ll have no choice but to end any suffering). You may want to consider getting another hen or 2 now, so her companion won’t be left alone when the time comes.

If you’re willing to accommodate her failing eyesight, there are many things you can do to help her adjust. Free-ranging isn’t a good idea if she’s going blind, because she’ll be unable to see a potential predator, or may get into a situation that could otherwise injure her. Inside her enclosure, keep food and water stations in the same place always. Keep everything the same, so she’ll become accustomed to the layout. I raised a blind male turkey from hatch, and he lived a full life with special care.

I hope that all goes well for Nancy and Cinnamon.

 

[flyinferg]

@flyinferg Since you can take her to a vet, a thorough checkup is a good idea (for an eye check, and to see if there’s anything she might be lacking as far as nutrition goes). If her pupils don’t appear clear, she may have cataracts, or some other eye issue. This is my opinion only, but there’s no need to have her euthanized just because she’s old and may be losing her eyesight. I’ve had many chickens live well into old age, and I’ve always given them the extra care needed until their times came. If her quality of life isn’t declining, she will adjust and continue on until one day you’ll find that she has passed (or has declined so terribly, that you’ll have no choice but to end any suffering). You may want to consider getting another hen or 2 now, so her companion won’t be left alone when the time comes.

If you’re willing to accommodate her failing eyesight, there are many things you can do to help her adjust. Free-ranging isn’t a good idea if she’s going blind, because she’ll be unable to see a potential predator, or may get into a situation that could otherwise injure her. Inside her enclosure, keep food and water stations in the same place always. Keep everything the same, so she’ll become accustomed to the layout. I raised a blind male turkey from hatch, and he lived a full life with special care.

I hope that all goes well for Nancy and Cinnamon.

Oh, such kind words ! And so many good suggestions. Thank you so much. I will get started tomorrow setting up a regular area for food and water. I am so happy you wrote. Sincerely, Madeleine

 

[HorseGirlAbby]

@WoDia had some amazing suggestions, and I agree with them all. I’ve got a fully blind hen, and she lives just as happy a life as her seeing companion. She has no problems finding food and water as long as they’re in relatively the same place, and knows the layout of her little pen by heart. I do have to watch her all the time when I let her out to free range, but as long as I put her in a nice patch of greens, she’s in heaven.

Blind hens really don’t know what they’re missing; unlike people, they’re not going to get depressed because they can’t see anymore. My little hen is the first to greet me in the morning, and it warms my heart to hear her little chirps.

 

[WoDia]

Oh, such kind words ! And so many good suggestions. Thank you so much. I will get started tomorrow setting up a regular area for food and water. I am so happy you wrote. Sincerely, Madeleine

You’re very welcome. Please keep us updated with how Nancy is doing.

 

[flyinferg]

You’re very welcome. Please keep us updated with how Nancy is doing.

Hello, a quick overview of Nancy's situation. I read a bit about end of life processes and I think Nancy is preparing herself to let go. I made a cozy area in my garage, for her. Bedding and warmth and water. I also put her skittish friend Cinnamon in with her but I am not sure how often I will be able to catch Cinnamon in the evening to put her in the little garage enclosure. We'll see. For now, I am comfortable in knowing I have given Nancy all the love and attention as she travels into her new adventure. Thanks for your support. Madeleine

 

[WoDia]

Hello, a quick overview of Nancy's situation. I read a bit about end of life processes and I think Nancy is preparing herself to let go. I made a cozy area in my garage, for her. Bedding and warmth and water. I also put her skittish friend Cinnamon in with her but I am not sure how often I will be able to catch Cinnamon in the evening to put her in the little garage enclosure. We'll see. For now, I am comfortable in knowing I have given Nancy all the love and attention as she travels into her new adventure. Thanks for your support. Madeleine

I know that Nancy’s final months/weeks/days will be happy ones. You’ve been great with providing her the support she needs as her life slows down. I’ve been in your situation many times. I’m glad that I did all I could to help mine get through their final months a little easier. Their lives meant a lot while they were here. I hope that Cinnamon will happily accept someone new after Nancy’s time comes. Keep us updated with how your girls are doing.

 

[Seaslug]

Any updates on Nancy? Hope you both are doing well.