8 ways to help your senior citiz-hens

• Maintain regular parasite control for both external and internal parasites.

• Feed supplements and/or tonics that contain amino acids, minerals, and vitamins – poultry supply stores and vet clinics have a range of options.

• Check the environment for hazards, such as: - places they could get stuck, eg thick shrubbery; - steep banks; - deep dustbathing holes; - mud patches or puddles, which may cause gut infections due to contaminated water, or the formation of mud balls on the toes, leading to infection (bumblefoot).

• Check they can easily access and use the coop and that it's comfortable for them:

- is the coop out of direct sun and wind?

- is the roof insulated, so condensation doesn't form in winter and drip onto birds below? - is the floor dry, especially around drinkers? - if there's a ramp, is it too steep? - if there are steps, are they too high? - are there lower perches, or nests on the ground, if they can't jump?

• If you keep older birds separate from the rest of the flock, change their diet to crumbles, as these are easier for birds to digest.

• Don’t feed too many grains, high carbohydrate treats, or kitchen scraps as these cause weight gain.

• Calcium supplements are still beneficial, even if birds are laying far less, as it's harder for them to mobilise calcium into the bloodstream from old bones. Calcium also contributes to muscle tone, which helps move the egg through the oviduct. Have a side dish of oyster grit available.

• Poultry prefer to live in groups. If possible, keep young and old birds together, so the young ones learn from their elders and are put in their place in the coop hierarchy. However, older birds may eventually lose their place in the pecking order. Bullying can occur, especially younger roosters targeting old males. You may need to create a separate 'retirement run' to keep them safe.

Look out for bullying – you may need a retirement run if things get nasty.