This resource was updated in preparation for veterinary review. It was originally published on May 29, 2018.

With proper care, chickens have the opportunity to live long lives. ​​Many factors affect an individual’s expected lifespan, but their breed is a major one. The average life expectancy of non-large chickens ranges from 10-15 years or more, whereas large breed chickens have an average life expectancy of 5-9 years (though some individuals will live longer or shorter than this). While some factors that affect an individual’s life expectancy, such as their breed, genetics, and health status upon rescue, are beyond a caregiver’s control, there is still plenty that caregivers can do to help ensure their residents live as long and as well as possible. The care, nutrition, and environment caregivers provide to their chicken residents have a major impact on their life expectancy and quality of life, and these elements of care can help them thrive in their old age!

Who Are We Talking About When We Say “Large BreedDomesticated animal breeds that have been selectively bred by humans to grow as large as possible, as quickly as possible, to the detriment of their health. Chickens?”
We use the term “large breed” to refer to Cornish crosses and other chickens who have been bred to grow quickly – not as quickly as Cornish crosses, but quicker than other breeds – and are typically marketed as “free-range broilers.”  As a group, they are often called “colored hybrid broilers” but include many different Trade names such as Freedom Ranger, Red Ranger, and Kosher King. Though other breeds of chickens, such as Orpingtons and Jersey Giants, are sometimes raised for their flesh, they do not face the same inherent challenges as Cornish crosses and chickens who fall into the category of “free-range broilers,” and are not who we are referring to when we say “large breed.”

Health Care Considerations For Older Chickens

Thoughtful observation, routine health checks, and regular veterinary care are imperative for all residents, but you may find that older residents benefit from more frequent assessment and closer observation than they did when they were younger. This can help you catch and respond to issues before they progress to more serious concerns. Some conditions, such as heart disease, mobility issues, and certain cancers, tend to be quite common in older chickens, though these are certainly not the only conditions that can affect older residents (and these conditions are not exclusive to older residents either). By keeping a closer eye on older residents, you’ll be better able to catch signs of new or worsening conditions as soon as possible!

Daily Observation And Routine Health Checks

During daily observation and routine health checks, you should watch closely for any signs of concern, but when it comes to older chickens, there are a few areas that may warrant extra attention. 

Watch For Signs Of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is common in elderly animals, and chickens are no exception. While this condition can affect any chicken, large breed chickens are at an increased risk and are also more likely to develop osteoarthritis at an earlier age due to the strain their larger size puts on their joints. It’s important to closely monitor older chicken residents for signs of osteoarthritis, which includes an abnormal gaitA specific way of moving and the rhythmic patterns of hooves and legs. Gaits are natural (walking, trotting, galloping) or acquired meaning humans have had a hand in changing their gaits for "sport"., bearing weight unevenly when standing, lameness, using their wings for support, and reduced activity. You may also be able to hear or feel crepitus (grating or crunching) in the hock1: the tarsal joint or region in the hind limb of a digitigrade quadruped (such as the horse) corresponding to the human ankle but elevated and bending backward 2: a joint of a fowl's leg that corresponds to the hock of a quadruped (due to their body conformation, crepitus can be more difficult to feel in the knee and hip).

If you notice signs of osteoarthritis, be sure to work closely with your veterinarian – proper pain management is crucial for individuals with painful conditions, and we’ll discuss this further below. It’s important to note that chickens can also develop septic arthritis (infectious arthritis), and large breed chickens appear to be especially prone to this condition. An individual with septic arthritis would require the addition of an antimicrobial treatment, as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Arthritis can lead to secondary issues that you need to watch closely for so you can address them early on. Because it affects the way an individual bears weight, arthritic residents are at risk of developing bumblefoot, and residents who spend more time lying down are at an increased risk of developing pressure sores on their hocks and keel. These conditions are described below. Individuals with osteoarthritis or other mobility issues may use their wings to help support themselves while walking and standing, which can lead to battered wing feathers and abrasions to the skin. In addition to watching how they move, also pay close attention to their wing tips, looking for signs that they may be using their wings for support. If you notice this is an issue, environmental modifications can help protect wing tips from damage.

Caring For Individuals With Severe Mobility Issues
If an individual develops a mobility issue that makes it difficult or impossible for them to walk unassisted, they will require more specialized care. While every individual will have unique needs and preferences, some individuals with severe mobility issues might benefit from using a device such as a therapy chair, cart, or homemade sling. While not every individual will tolerate or benefit from devices such as these, for others, these devices can provide individuals who are otherwise unable to walk or stand the support they need to do so. Depending on the situation and the individual, this may give them some autonomyThe ability for individuals to have access to free movement, appropriate food, and the ability to reasonably avoid situations they wish to avoid. and may also help prevent the development of hock and keel sores. Daily monitoring is essential to ensure they are not developing sores in areas where their body makes contact with the device.

Individuals using supportive devices, particularly carts, may need further modifications to their living spaceThe indoor or outdoor area where an animal resident lives, eats, and rests. beyond those described in this resource. You’ll want to avoid obstacles and terrain that could cause them to tip or become stuck, and the use of devices should be limited to finite periods of time when they will be supervised. We recommend very close observation of residents using these devices so that you can respond immediately to any issues that may arise. Please note that there is much more to caring for non-ambulatory chicken residents besides mobility devices. You can read more about this topic, including alternatives to using mobility devices, here.

Watch For Signs Of Heart Disease 

Heart disease can affect chickens of any age, but just as in humans, the risk of certain heart conditions can increase with age. Chickens of any breed can be affected, but large breed chickens are at an increased risk. In addition to regular veterinary assessment, described more below, watch your residents for signs that could indicate a heart condition, such as darkening of the comba fleshy crest on the head of the domestic chicken and other domesticated birds and wattles (cyanosis), which may be more common in colder weather or times of stress, and wet, gurgly breathing (especially when stressed). You may also note that the individual is lethargic and/or shows signs of respiratory distress following periods of activity. Certain conditions may also result in ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen). All of these signs could be the result of another health issue, such as respiratory or reproductive diseases, so it’s important to work closely with your veterinarian to make a diagnosis. Individuals with heart disease may require lifelong medications as recommended by your veterinarian. 

Closely Monitor Their Weight

We recommend regularly monitoring all of your chicken residents’ weight and body condition (at least at every health checkThe Open Sanctuary Project uses the term "health check" to describe health evaluations performed by caregivers who are not licensed veterinarians. While regular health checks are an important part of animal care, they are not meant to be a replacement for a physical exam performed by a licensed veterinarian.), but you may find that older individuals benefit from more frequent evaluation so that you can catch weight changes before they become drastic. Both unexplained/unhealthy weight loss and weight gain can be signs of an underlying concern that needs to be addressed, and both can predispose individuals to other health issues. 

Unexplained weight loss could have a number of causes, including certain diseases, mobility issues, and/or unhealthy social dynamics. If you notice that a resident has lost weight or muscle mass along their keel, be sure to have them evaluated by a veterinarian to determine if there is an underlying disease causing their weight loss. Pay close attention to their droppings and report any changes (such as changes in quantity or consistency) to your veterinarian, as this will give them additional information that could aid in diagnosing the cause of their weight loss. The individual may also require changes to their diet, an adjustment to the type, location, and/or height of food dishes, or the opportunity to eat away from their flockmates to reduce competition for food. We’ll talk more about dietary considerations and other modifications for individuals who are struggling to maintain a healthy weight below.

“Old Age” Is Not A Diagnosis
Unexplained weight loss should always be a red flag and should be investigated – don’t just chalk it up to “old age.” Be sure to work with your veterinarian to diagnose and, if possible, treat (or manage) any underlying health conditions your older residents are dealing with. If diet changes are in order, your veterinarian or an avian nutritionist will be able to make recommendations based on the specific needs of the individual.

As mentioned above, just as weight loss is cause for concern, so too is weight gain. While chickens of any breed can reach an unhealthy weight, large breed chickens are more prone to obesity (and this is true for large breed chickens of any age). Obesity can cause a host of health challenges and exacerbate existing conditions, so it’s important to catch unhealthy weight gain quickly and find ways to help residents maintain a healthy weight. This may include making changes to their diet (discussed more below), encouraging safe exercise, or working with your veterinarian to manage any pain that may be affecting their activity level.

Watch For Signs Of Reproductive Disease

As with many of the other conditions described in this section, reproductive disease is not unique to older birds. However, because reproductive diseases are so common, it’s important to continue to closely monitor residents for signs as they age. While reproductive disease in hens bred for heavy egg production may immediately come to mind, be aware that hens of any breed can develop reproductive tract disease, and males can develop testicular tumors. In females, watch for distention of the abdomen, penguin-like posture, discoloration to the comb and wattles, labored breathing, weight loss, a cropA crop is a pouched enlargement of the esophagus of many birds that serves as a receptacle for food and for its preliminary maceration. that is slow to empty, and/or changes in the color, consistency, or quantity of their droppings. In males, watch for discoloration to the comb and wattles, labored breathing, weight loss, and/or lameness or weakness. These signs are non-specific and could indicate another health issue. Always consult with your veterinarian to make a diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment plan. 

Keep A Close Eye On Their Feet And Legs

Bumblefoot is a common condition in chickens, especially large breed chickens, and is not unique to older birds. Because the prognosis is best in the very early stages before there is active infection, it’s important to closely monitor your residents’ feet for signs of this condition. We recommend paying close attention to all chicken residents, but older individuals with mobility issues need even closer attention because they are at an increased risk of developing bumblefoot. Individuals who favor one foot over the other due to pain or a mechanical leg issue may develop bumblefoot on their “good” side. Because this foot has to bear more weight, the skin can become damaged over time. Without proper interventions, bumblefoot can progress from a minor issue to something far more severe. Be sure to contact your veterinarian if you observe signs of bumblefoot. You can read more about the stages of bumblefoot here. 

Residents who bear weight unevenly or who are less active than they previously were may need some or all of their nails trimmed more often than they previously did. If you find that an individual’s nails are becoming too overgrown between regularly scheduled nail trims, you’ll need to put them on their own schedule. Please note that nails and spurs may grow at an accelerated rate in older chickens, and hens may develop spurs as they age.

Watch For Beak Overgrowth
Just as nails and spurs may grow more quickly as residents get older, so too might their beak, especially their upper beak. Allowing their beak to become too overgrown can interfere with their ability to eat, so be sure to keep a close eye on their beak and carefully trim it as needed.

It’s not uncommon for older birds to have raised, coarse leg scales rather than the smooth scales they previously had. Raised scales can be a sign of scaly leg mites, so it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to rule out a parasitic infection, but you may find that raised, dry leg scales become an older chicken’s new normal. These scales can snag on elements of the living space and break off, resulting in open wounds. Be sure to keep a close eye on their legs and treat any wounds that may develop. Your veterinarian may recommend using a moisturizing salve to help prevent damage to dry scales. 

Watch For Developing Pressure Sores

Older individuals who are less active and spend more time lying down than they previously did are at risk of developing pressure sores on their hocks and along their keel. Because of their larger size, large breed chickens (especially those who are overweight) are at an increased risk (though individuals who are emaciated are also at risk of developing a pressure sore on their keel, especially if the substrate they are lying on is not adequately cushioned). Pressure sores can become more difficult to manage if not addressed early on, so it’s a good idea to pay close attention to their hocks and keel, checking for changes to the appearance of the skin or the development of scabs or open sores. Keep in mind that keel sores may not be visible without parting an individual’s feathers. We’ll discuss environmental changes that can help prevent the development of pressure sores in the living space section below.

Watch For Signs Of Vision Loss

Just as in humans, you may find that as a chicken ages, their vision deteriorates. Partial or complete vision loss can impact an individual’s ability to find food and water, access roosts or shelter, and safely interact with other chickens. In addition to watching for any changes to the eye (such as cloudiness, bulging, or changes to the pupil), you should also closely monitor their behavior for signs that could indicate a loss of vision. While partial or full vision loss may be the result of advanced age, we always recommend having eye concerns evaluated by a veterinarian. Cloudiness, for example, could be due to cataracts, but could also be caused by an eye infection that requires prompt treatment.

Residents with full or partial vision loss may require modifications to their living spaces or social grouping to keep them comfortable and safe, and they may require assistance finding food and water. In some cases, being sure to keep food and water in the same location can help individuals continue to find it, but other times, you may need to place food directly in front of them and tap the dish or move the food around to alert them to its presence. Similarly, water fountains can help blind residents find water because they can hear the running water. Be sure to closely monitor the individual’s crop and weight to ensure they are continuing to eat enough, and make additional modifications as needed to ensure they have easy access to food and water.

Monitoring Your Residents’ Quality Of Life
An important aspect of animal care, generally, and particularly elder care, entails closely monitoring an individual’s quality of life and having a plan in place if euthanasia is deemed necessary. While some residents pass away peacefully in their sleep without first showing a significant decrease in their quality of life, this is unusual. More often, older residents will develop chronic and progressive issues, such as osteoarthritis, that progress to the point where you, the caregiving team, or your veterinarian feels euthanasiaThe act of ending someone’s life to spare them from suffering or a significantly reduced quality of life that cannot be managed. should be considered. These can be very difficult decisions to make, regardless of one’s experience level. To avoid making an already difficult situation even more challenging, it can be helpful to craft a euthanasia policy that you discuss with your veterinarian well before you are in a position where euthanasia must be considered. To help with this difficult process, please check out our veterinarian-reviewed Model Euthanasia Policy.​​

Veterinary Care

We recommend asking your veterinarian how frequently they think your older chicken residents should be seen (ideally, at least twice a year). Individuals with ongoing issues that require monitoring may need to be seen more often than those without health issues, but even for apparently healthy individuals, more frequent vet visits may be in order (plus diagnostics to screen for disease, as recommended by your veterinarian). Because osteoarthritis is so common in older individuals and requires careful pain management as recommended by your veterinarian, we’ll discuss this topic in more detail next.

Pain Management For Individuals With Arthritis

Without pain management, osteoarthritis can cause chronic pain (ranging in severity from mild to debilitating) and can affect an individual’s activity level and quality of life. Severe pain can result in a general reluctance or even the inability to walk (putting them at risk of developing pressure sores). While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, and it is a progressive condition (meaning it worsens over time), there are medications that can help alleviate an individual’s pain. If one of your residents is showing signs of lameness, pain, and/or decreased activity, be sure to work with your veterinarian to diagnose and manage the issue.

All Arthritis Solutions MUST Be Discussed With Your Veterinarian!
Below, we’ll discuss some specific medications and supplements that might be incorporated into an individual’s treatment plan. However, any time you wish to explore arthritis management options, even those that do not require a prescription, you must have a conversation with your veterinarian! Arthritis can be a complex issue, and an individual’s health or other treatments may make certain treatments ill-advised.

While there are currently no non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) approved for use in chickens, your veterinarian may prescribe extra-labelExtra-label use means that a drug is used in a way other than what is described on the label or package insert. If a drug is used in a different species than what it has been approved for, this is extra-label use. Other examples include using a drug to treat a different condition than it is approved for or administering it in a different way than the directions describe. Extra-label drug use can only occur within the confines of a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship. use of an NSAID such as meloxicam or carprofen. NSAID treatment should never be combined with other NSAIDs, and in some individuals, NSAID use may be contraindicated (not advised). Long-term NSAID use, which may be necessary to treat degenerative conditions such as arthritis, can affect the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. Your veterinarian may recommend certain supplements, such as milk thistle (sometimes combined with lactulose), to potentially help mitigate the negative effects of NSAID use.

If your veterinarian determines that NSAIDs are not appropriate for an individual in need of pain relief, they may prescribe other analgesics such as tramadol (a controlled opioid) and/or gabapentin instead. For individuals who can safely be treated with NSAIDs, tramadol and/or gabapentin may also be recommended in addition to an NSAID if the NSAID alone is not sufficient to control their pain. Be aware that commercially available gabapentin oral solutions contain xylitol and should not be used in birds. 

Anecdotally, adjunctive therapies such as cold laser therapy and acupuncture have helped keep arthritic avian residents comfortable. Some sanctuaries have also seen some success by combining conventional medications with more natural remedies such as Boswellia serrata (also known as Indian Frankincense), capsicum, turmeric, and/or CBDA non-hallucinogenic substance from the hemp plant. Some claim that it can help manage pain and certain health conditions in animals, though there is little research in this field. Because CBD is not highly regulated, it can be difficult to ascertain exactly how pure any CBD oil or supplement may actually be. Some suggest that CBD oil, if ingested by ruminants, can cause harm to rumens. oil. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the most appropriate pain management regimen for each of your residents. While you may be able to obtain supplements without a veterinarian’s prescription, it is imperative to consult with your veterinarian before starting any supplements. Some supplements may have adverse effects on individuals or negatively interact with their current medications. Your veterinarian can determine what is most appropriate based on various factors, including the individual’s specific needs, any concurrent treatments, and the latest scientific evidence available regarding the treatment.

In addition to talking to your veterinarian about the most appropriate pain management regimen for each of your residents, be sure to ask them about conducting bloodwork before certain treatments (such as NSAID treatment) to ensure the treatment is not contraindicated and to establish a baseline against which future bloodwork results can be compared. We also recommend asking them about conducting regular bloodwork for individuals on certain long-term treatments (including NSAID treatment) to monitor organ function and watch for adverse effects.

Individuals with osteoarthritis may also benefit from environmental modifications, as described later on in this resource. Ongoing assessment of arthritic residents is imperative. As the condition progresses, you may find that their pain management plan needs to be re-evaluated, and you’ll want to have ongoing discussions about their quality of life (with other caregivers as well as with your veterinarian). As mentioned above, you’ll also want to be on the lookout for signs of secondary issues, such as bumblefoot and pressure sores.

Living Space Considerations For Older Chickens

While some older chicken residents may continue to do well without any changes to their living spaces, others may require certain modifications to help keep them safe and comfortable. If your chicken residents reside in living spaces that are separate from your home (e.g., a coop, shed, or barn), consider whether older individuals may require modification to their living space or may do better living in your home (with a friend). You can read more about sharing your home with chickens here.

Keep Predator-Proofing In Mind
When considering environmental modifications, remember that any changes you make to their living space must be done with predator-proofing in mind!

Indoor Living Space Considerations For Older Chickens

It’s important to monitor an older resident’s indoor living space to ensure it continues to keep them comfortable and is free from any hazards that could cause injury. Be sure to consider the following when evaluating an older chicken resident’s indoor living space.

Flooring

When evaluating your residents’ flooring, keep in mind that older chickens may need better traction and more cushion than they previously did. Additionally, changes to their mobility may necessitate certain modifications to their flooring. Depending on the type of flooring present in their indoor space, you may find that covering the floor with thick textured floor mats (such as interlocking foam floor mats) or thick artificial turf, or adding a deep layer of dirt or sand* can help provide residents with a bit more traction and can also offer more cushion to achy feet and joints. 

*A Note On Sand
While sand can provide adequate traction and cushion and can work well in certain situations, it may not be appropriate for certain residents or in certain climates. You don’t want residents ingesting sand, so if you choose to use sand, it’s best not to use it where residents eat, in case they spill or drop food and ingest sand while eating the spilled food. Given their robust appetites, large breed chicken residents may ingest sand even if you keep it away from where they eat. If residents are ingesting sand, you should stop using it immediately and try something else. In addition to the risk of ingestion, sand may not be a comfortable option in certain climates or during certain seasons because it can be cold and damp.

When considering the most appropriate modifications for your residents, keep in mind that while the addition of textured floor mats, dirt, or sand can increase the amount of cushioning provided, they do so to different degrees. Packed dirt can become very hard over time, providing less cushion than sand or more loosely packed dirt. Floor mats come in a wide variety of thicknesses and provide different degrees of cushioning. Individuals with painful mobility issues or who spend more time lying down may benefit from thicker, softer mats to provide more cushioning to their feet and joints and to help prevent pressure sores if they are spending more time lying down. While the additional cushioning can be helpful, you must make sure it does not impede their ability to walk. A pillowy floor mat may be wonderful to lie down on, but walking across a substrate with that much give might be a challenge. Therefore, you may opt to add a certain amount of cushioning to the entire space, plus extra cushioning in the area in which the individual typically sleeps or relaxes during the day. 

The substrate your chicken residents walk on should be relatively flat and even. Be sure to watch for and quickly address any unevenness and trip hazards. Dirt floors are prone to developing divots over time, and these divots can result in injury. Similarly, floor mats that do not lie flat against the floor can cause a resident to trip. Doorways/thresholds are another common trip hazard, which we will discuss more below. 

Bedding

Just as previously suitable flooring may need modifications to ensure older residents have ample traction and cushion, you may also need to make changes to the type and/or amount of bedding used in their living space for similar reasons. Individuals who are less active and spend more time lying down may require extra bedding material to prevent pressure sores from developing on their hocks and keel (or to prevent sores that have developed from getting worse). 

While straw is a common bedding option, there are numerous reasons why some folks choose not to use it for their bird residents, regardless of their age (one reason being the increased risk of aspergillosis, and another being that it may not be as absorbent as other bedding options and can contribute to infections associated with bumblefoot). Even if you decide that straw is an appropriate option for your residents, generally, you may find that it is not the best option for older residents. A thick layer of straw can be more difficult to walk through than some other bedding options, such as hemp bedding or chicken-safe wood shavings. Older residents may not pick their feet up as much when they walk and can become tangled in long-fibered straw, making it even more difficult for them to walk. Switching to a short-fibered straw or a different type of bedding can help prevent this issue. 

To provide additional cushioning in areas where your residents sleep or relax during the day, consider providing a thick dog bed, pillow, or similar material. Check out ideas here. Just keep in mind that everything in the space must be cleaned regularly, so opt for something washable or be sure to cover it in washable blankets that are changed regularly. To prevent shifting and bunching, use blankets made of heavy, soft, plush fabrics, and avoid loosely knitted blankets with gaps that could allow a nail, toe, beak, etc. to become caught.

Doorways

Another element of the living space that warrants a closer look is doorways and thresholds. Even a slightly raised threshold could pose a tripping hazard or could injure a resident who doesn’t fully pick up their feet. This can prove even more dangerous if there is also a drop-down on one side of the threshold (such as in an elevated doorway that leads to the outdoors). To eliminate risk, avoid raised thresholds whenever possible. If this is not possible, make sure the threshold has the lowest profile possible and that it is free of sharp or rough edges that may cause damage to the feet.  

Similarly, avoid layouts where residents need to jump up or down to move between their indoor and outdoor spaces. While a wide, gently-sloped ramp may work fine for younger residents, older residents may struggle to navigate even a slight grade, and, depending on the material the ramp is made of, there may be traction issues or risk of damage to their feet. While it’s important to avoid a negative slope around resident housing in order to keep indoor spaces dry, in settings where residents can move freely between their indoor and outdoor spaces, you also want to make sure they can continue to do so with ease. It’s best to keep entrances as close to ground level as possible. To make it easier for residents to come and go, consider building up the earth around the entryway to create a wide, gentle slope, if needed. If you must provide a ramp, keep it very gently inclined, wide enough to prevent residents from falling or jumping off, and ensure that it provides enough traction to avoid slips and falls.

Also consider the width of doorways, especially if there is a step up or down on either side. Residents may use their wings to help them maintain their balance while moving through these spaces, and in a narrow doorway, they may hit their wings against the door frame. 

Roosts

Just as other elements of the living space may need to be modified as a chicken resident ages, so too might the roosting opportunities you provide. If you have chicken residents who perch on rod-style perches, you may find that as they age, they have difficulty gripping and balancing on these perches. In some cases, wrapping the perch with a material that can provide better grip can help (for example, covering the perch with self-adhesive cohesive bandage wrap). You may also wish to offer alternative kinds of perches, such as a wide, flat board or a sturdy platform. By offering different types of perches, residents can choose what they prefer. If residents need more cushioning on board-style perches, consider covering them with artificial turf. Similarly, roosting platforms may need a thicker layer of bedding than you previously provided to help protect against pressure sores.

Chickens – by instinct – will want to sleep off the ground, but hopping down from high roosts could result in injury for older residents. Depending on the height of the roosts provided, you may find you need to lower them or add additional, lower perches. You’ll also want to pay close attention to the area where residents hop down from their perches/roosts. Even if they are only slightly raised, you want to make sure the area they hop down to will provide appropriate traction to avoid slipping injuries and cushion to reduce strain on joints. To accomplish this, you may need to provide extra bedding or more cushioned substrates in this area.

Some individuals may benefit from separate accommodations overnight due to health or social dynamics. In these cases, you might consider providing them with a private sleeping crate.

Temperature Considerations

While it’s important to provide safe heating and cooling as necessary for all chicken residents, you may find that as individuals age, the temperature range they can tolerate narrows. Be sure to closely observe older residents for signs they are too hot (open-mouth breathing and holding their wings away from their body) or too cold (puffed-up feathers or shivering) and take steps to keep them comfortable. You’ll also need to take preventative measures to keep them safe and comfy when extreme temperatures are in the forecast. Large breed chickens are especially prone to heat stress and heat-related illness, so it’s crucial to keep them cool when the weather is warm and humid. Depending on their current setup, you may find it’s easier to keep them comfortable if you move them into your home, as mentioned above.

Outdoor Living Space Considerations For Older Chickens

As chickens age, their activity level may decrease, especially if they have arthritis or another health condition that affects their mobility or stamina. Depending on the type of outdoor space they have access to, certain modifications may be in order. Just as their indoor space should be easy to navigate, so too should their outdoor space. Rocky, hilly, and uneven terrain could be difficult for them to navigate comfortably. While you don’t necessarily need to move older residents into smaller outdoor spaces (though some may benefit from this), it’s a good idea to make sure important resources are within a close distance so that they do not have to travel far if they don’t want to or are unable to. Food and drinking water should absolutely be placed in areas where they can easily access them without having to travel far or navigate difficult terrain, and they should also have easy access to a variety of spaces, such as a nice place to sunbathe, dustbathe, nap, forage, etc. Speaking of dust bathing, if your residents have access to a man-made dust bath, make sure they can get in and out with ease. You may find you need to provide a dust bath with lower sides or that you need to sink it into the ground a bit to make it easier for older residents to access. If the ground in their living space is on the hard side, consider putting down sod or artificial turf to give them softer spaces to relax.

Diet Considerations For Older Chickens

Providing your chicken residents with a healthy diet is important at every stage of their lives. Some older chicken residents may continue to thrive on the standard diet you provide to other mature chicken residents (remember, chicks have different nutritional requirements), but others may need modifications made to their diet or to the way their food is provided. If your female residents are typically fed a diet higher in calcium to support the demands of egg-laying, keep in mind that this is more calcium than they require after they have stopped laying eggs. Additionally, individuals with certain health issues may require specific modifications as recommended by your veterinarian. 

Since osteoarthritis is a common issue in older residents, some sanctuaries include supplements that are thought to help reduce inflammation in their daily diet. For example, a sanctuary may include turmeric or omega-3 fatty acids in their older residents’ diet even if they are not currently showing signs of arthritis. If this is something you’re interested in doing, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian for guidance.

In this section, we’ll be focusing on some basic modifications that may be beneficial for some older residents, but please keep in mind that you should always consult with your veterinarian before implementing diet changes. The following recommendations are not universally necessary for all elderly individuals and, in most cases, are just one part of a more comprehensive response plan.

Making Sure Everyone Gets What They Need
If someone requires a different diet than their flock mates (either in terms of what they eat, how much they eat, or how often they are fed), you’ll need to carefully consider how to best accomplish this. In some cases, you may be able to do this by separating the individual from their flock mates for meals, but other times, you may have to consider if they (and a close companion) must live separately from the flock to ensure everyone gets what they need.

Modifications For Residents Who Are Too Thin (Or Are Losing Weight Unexpectedly)

If you find a resident is losing weight unexpectedly or becoming too thin, be sure to consult with your veterinarian to determine if an underlying health issue is the cause. You should also closely observe the individual when they are fed to see if unhealthy social dynamics, vision changes, an overgrown beak, or an issue with the way their food is provided is interfering with their access to food. In some cases, addressing these issues will help return the individual to a healthy weight without actually needing to change the type or amount of food they are provided. Other times, you will need to make adjustments to their actual diet in consultation with your veterinarian or an avian nutritionist.

Ensure They Can Get Their Fair Share

As individuals age, social dynamics sometimes change, and their place in the pecking order may fall, affecting how easily (and confidently) they can access food. If older residents are getting crowded out or bullied by flock mates, they may not get their fair share of food and could start losing weight. This can be an issue for any chicken resident, but can be especially problematic for large breed chickens who are fed measured portions. In situations where birds are free fed, a resident who is leery of others, slow to get moving in the morning, or wants to avoid the initial rush of mealtime can wait until after others have eaten to take their turn without losing out on food. Unfortunately, in situations where residents are fed measured portions and eat as a group, waiting is not really an option because someone else will likely eat their portion before they do. 

If you notice that a resident is reluctant to come over and eat when food is put out, you’ll need to make changes to ensure they can eat comfortably. Sometimes this can be accomplished by offering additional food dishes and spreading them out a bit (ensuring food is available near the area the individual spends most of their time). If this doesn’t resolve the issue, separating the individual from the flock for meals may be necessary. For residents who are fed measured portions, you can simply separate the individual during meals, rejoining them with the group when everyone is done eating. If you can’t fully separate them and ensure no one else can get to their food, you’ll want to stay with them during meals to make sure they finish their portion. 

A similar technique can be applied to individuals who are free-fed. When food is first put down in the morning, you can separate the individual (and perhaps their closest companion) for a short period of time so that they can have easy access to food with minimal to no competition while the rest of the flock eats in a different part of the living space. If necessary, you could also schedule a few other times during the day to separate them with food to ensure they have plenty of time to eat undisturbed. 

Be sure to continue to monitor the individual’s weight closely to determine if this change alone is enough to help them return to (or maintain) a healthy weight. If not, you’ll need to make further modifications such as those described below. 

Experiment With Different Food Dishes And Setups

When feeding older residents, small changes to the way their food is provided can sometimes make a big difference. This is especially true for individuals with arthritis or other mobility issues, who might be reluctant (or even unable) to eat from food dishes they previously accessed with ease. Appropriate pain management (as described above) is key, but residents may also benefit from certain modifications to how their food is provided. What works best will be unique for each individual, so it’s helpful to experiment and observe how they respond to each setup. For example, if they are currently fed out of a metal trough, try offering a wide, shallow bowl. If their food dish is usually placed on the ground, try elevating it so they don’t have to bend down as much to eat (and experiment with different heights to see what is most comfortable for them). When elevating food dishes, be sure to create setups that keep the dish in place to avoid spills. You can find examples of food dishes and setups you might want to consider here.

Don’t Wait For Residents To Lose Weight!
Through close observation, you may notice that a resident might benefit from the above modifications before they start losing weight. If someone seems reluctant to eat with their flock or uncomfortable eating from provided dishes, be sure to make adjustments regardless of whether their weight has been affected or not.

Make Changes To Their Diet In Consultation With Your Veterinarian

Depending on the underlying cause of the weight loss (if you can determine this through observation, veterinary assessment, and/or diagnostics), your veterinarian may recommend providing a different food formula or, in the case of residents who are provided measured portions, increasing their portion size and/or increasing the frequency of meals. They may also recommend incorporating other foods or supplements into their diet.

You May Need To Jazz Up Their Food A Bit
If you find an individual is not eating their full portion, in addition to working with your veterinarian to determine the cause, it’s worth seeing if you can make their food more enticing. For example, if they are provided dry pellets, see how they do with soaked pellets. If they aren’t doing well with an oatmeal-like consistency of soaked pellets, see if they like it a bit soupier. If they need some encouragement to eat, try mixing in something tasty like unsweetened applesauce, pumpkin, fruit puree, or something similar. These additions can help make their commercial complete diet food more appealing. Be aware that additions that can be easily picked out (such as seeds or small pieces of fruit) don’t always have the same effect because the individual may only eat those additions and not their commercial food (which has important nutrients they require).

Modifications For Residents Who Are Overweight (Or Creeping Toward An Unhealthy Weight)

If an older resident is overweight or starts to gain weight and move away from their ideal weight, you’ll want to make changes to their diet to help them move toward (or maintain) a healthy weight. As with individuals who are losing weight, there are a few different modifications that may help. While non-large breedA domesticated animal breed that has not been specifically engineered to grow as quickly as possible for the purpose of human consumption. In resources at The Open Sanctuary Project, "Heritage" breeds of turkeys, for instance, are "non-large breed", even if they are physically quite big. chickens can become overweight, this issue is far more common in large breed chickens. Some of the modifications below may not be possible to implement in settings where the flock is free-fed. If you find that a non-large breed resident is overweight, be sure to work closely with your veterinarian to determine how to help them move back toward a healthy weight while still meeting the needs of the rest of the flock. In some cases, you may need to consider changes to their living arrangements so that you can implement the necessary dietary changes. Just be sure to also consider their social needs (described below)!

If inactivity due to a health issue is a contributing factor, be sure to work with your veterinarian to treat or manage the condition. As mentioned above, painful conditions, such as arthritis, require appropriate pain management as recommended by your veterinarian.

Ensure They Are Not Overeating

As mentioned above, in situations where residents are fed measured portions and eat as a group, individuals don’t always get their intended portion. Just as some individuals may not get their full portion, others may get a bit extra. If you find a large breed chicken resident is moving toward an unhealthy weight, it’s a good idea to start by separating them with their standard portion size and see if this is enough to return them to a healthy weight. If not, you’ll want to talk to your veterinarian about reducing their portion size or switching to a different food formula, described next.

Reduce Their Portion Size And/Or Switch To A Different Food Formula

If you’ve confirmed that the individual is unable to maintain a healthy weight on their standard portion of food, talk to your veterinarian about how to proceed. In some cases, they may recommend slowly reducing the amount of commercial food they receive and/or making changes to the type or amount of supplemental foods you provide. If you need to reduce an individual’s portion of commercial food, consider increasing the amount of healthy leafy greens you provide to help individuals feel satiated (this is especially important for large breed chickens who typically have voracious appetites). Other times, your veterinarian may recommend switching to a different food formula, such as one that is lower in protein, which may allow you to continue to provide the same portion size they previously received. 

If an individual is receiving a different portion or type of food from the rest of the flock, you’ll need to feed them separately going forward. Be sure to continue to monitor their weight and consult with your veterinarian if additional modifications are necessary.

Social Considerations For Older Chickens

Chickens are social animals who form strong bonds with their flock mates. However, as residents age, you may find that social groupings that previously worked no longer do. If one of your older residents is getting bullied or requires modifications that cannot be accommodated in their current living situation, you may need to consider separating them from their flock. This should be done with great care – isolationIn medical and health-related circumstances, isolation represents the act or policy of separating an individual with a contagious health condition from other residents in order to prevent the spread of disease.  In non-medical circumstances, isolation represents the act of preventing an individual from being near their companions due to forced separation. Forcibly isolating an individual to live alone and apart from their companions can result in boredom, loneliness, anxiety, and distress. from their companions can cause chickens of all ages significant distress. If you need to separate one of your older chicken residents from a larger flock, you’ll want to ensure that they can live with at least one of their companions (ideally, their closest companion). After separating individuals, be sure to watch for signs of distress, which may indicate that you have inadvertently separated individuals who are strongly bonded.

In addition to considering social bonds, you’ll also want to keep safety in mind, particularly in all-male groupings or mixed-sex flocks. While overmounting is an issue regardless of an individual’s age, older females with mobility issues could be injured by what would otherwise be considered “normal” mounting behavior. To ensure their well-being, older hens may need to live away from males entirely or only live with a rooster who is significantly smaller than her or unable to mount due to physical disability. Similarly, in settings where males live together, you’ll want to watch that older roosters are not getting bullied by other males, particularly during the spring when hormonal changes may lead to more altercations, and make changes to the group as needed.

One way to provide individuals who cannot live safely within a flock with social stimulation may be to provide them with enclosures that allow them to have visual access to their flock, while also providing them with safety. You will want to ensure that such an enclosure includes all the resources that they need to access, such as food, water, enrichment, and shelter. Be sure to watch everyone’s reaction to this situation to ensure it’s a beneficial one. If you observe individuals pacing, fighting, or showing other signs of tension along the shared barrier, consider an alternative arrangement.

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While it may seem like a lot of additional considerations, it’s important to be aware of how an older chicken resident’s needs may change as they age and ways in which you can meet those needs. A little extra consideration can go a long way in keeping older residents comfortable and content despite some of the challenges that can come with old age! 

Article Acknowledgements
Our deepest gratitude to Chicken Run Rescue for sharing their knowledge and experience caring for older chickens with us.

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Chicken Care | Farm Sanctuary

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Can Your Chicken Have a Heart Attack? Signs, Symptoms And Prevention Tips from the Pros | Long Island Bird And Exotics Animal Clinic 

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Pain Management In The Avian Patient | Improve Veterinary Practice 

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Treatment Of Pain In Birds | Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice Volume 26, Issue 1, January 2023

Senior Pet Health For Dogs, Cats, And Exotics | Shiloh Veterinary Hospital 

Avian Arthritis | Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic