Backyard Fowl Keepers

Hello everyone,

I have an older chicken in my coopshes at least 4 or 5 years old, maybe older. About two weeks ago, I noticed that the skin above her eyes (what looks like her "eyebrows") has started to droop.

Other than that, she seems completely normal. She has a healthy appetite, stays active, and her comb is still a vibrant red. I dont see any issues with her eyes or body, just the drooping skin.

Has anyone seen this before? Is this something to worry about, or could it just be a sign of aging? Any advice would be appreciated!

Have you checked for any swelling or fluid buildup around the eyes? Sometimes, mild infections or allergies can cause sagging skin. You might try gently feeling the area to see if it's puffy or tender.

Some chickens just look a little different as they get older! If she's behaving normally and her comb is healthy, I'd say she's doing just fine.

Keep an eye on her for any other changes, like difficulty seeing or trouble eating. If the drooping worsens or she starts acting strangely, it might be worth checking with a vet.

It's possible she has some slight vitamin deficiencies. You could try supplementing her feed with a poultry vitamin mix to see if it makes a difference over time.

My older hen had something similar, and it turned out to be due to dehydration. Try offering her some electrolyte water for a few days and see if it helps.

It could just be a natural sign of aging. Chickens, like other animals, can develop looser skin as they get older. If she's eating and acting normally, I wouldn't worry too much.

If her comb is still bright red and she's active, that's a great sign. A sick chicken usually has a pale or shriveled comb. It might just be an age-related change in skin elasticity.

Could she have bumped her head or gotten pecked by another hen? A minor injury could cause temporary sagging in the skin around the eyes. Keep an eye on it to see if it improves.

Since she's an older hen, you might also want to check her weight. Sometimes, muscle loss with age can change how skin looks. If she's keeping a good body condition, I wouldn't worry too much.