This entry was posted on 29 January 2021 in Keeping Chickens.
It’s a fact of life that all animals grow old and this is the same for the hens in your chicken coop. It’s easy to imagine that looking after a chicken or two in their old age isn’t that much different from looking after them while they’re young, but there’s a fair amount you might need to consider.
Let’s take a look at a few careful points you should keep in mind when it comes to caring for an older chicken to make sure that they are as comfortable as possible.
As chickens get older, they can be known to start foraging and scratching around less. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you keep their nails or talons in check. They would generally be able to wear down their nails naturally while foraging around, but if they are no longer doing this, you are going to need to help them out. Clipping is a great idea; otherwise, they are going to curl, and become painful.
Not all of your brood might be getting on in age, but you still need to make sure to offer a space for the older birds.
Older chickens will naturally still want to use the same chicken coop to stay warm and safe, but not all of them are going to find it so easy to get up and down off the same perches. Try moving a perch or two or try installing lower platforms and perches so that your older hens aren’t risking their leg or joint muscles.
Chickens, sadly, are going to start struggling with mobility later in life. This means that predators such as foxes and cats are going to find it much easier to pounce on them. Therefore, the best thing you can do right away is start looking for a chicken coop with added security. There are stacks of great options out there that are built to withstand all kinds of predator attacks.
If you are just starting out with chickens, then embracing them getting older might be a bit of an odd scenario for you. Therefore, it’s important to start asking for help and to find someone reliable who can specialise in giving your older hens the care they deserve.
Vets will happily help with chickens – roosters, hens, you name them – as well as domesticated cats, dogs, and hamsters. Chickens are still commonly kept across the UK, and it shouldn’t be too hard for you to find a trained expert who can advise you on nail clipping, any diseases you should look out for, and any egg problems. A vet can help you begin caring for your older chickens even if you have no idea where to start.
Don’t worry about your chickens getting old there are ways and means for you to help them out.
Should you be looking for a secure chicken coop or run for your older chicken, then we at Cocoon have you covered. We offer a range of chicken coops, houses, and pens for all types of situations. If you have any queries, please call us today on 01273 978 487 or visit our contact page for more details.
