I'm glad there's someone else out there who goes through these situations. <3 I, too, love my little ladies and have never eaten any "when they get old". I just lost my last "old generation hen" this spring. She was nine years old. It's sad when you can tell they are on their way out. You notice that change in their energy and that slow peace and calm come over them. I lost a favorite silky last summer... and the last few days I would just hold her and talk to her...and was sad to find her dead a day or two later. This pattern happens all to often. You just know...and then you're so thankful that you took those last couple pictures, or snuck them those mealworms away from the others, etc. I have a few right now that I'll probably actually bawl when they go. If she wants to spend her last days a house chicken...if she really does, then why not? If her energy level is down and you know she won't be scared, if the weather is cold or bothersome, if she's just needing that extra attention... Why would it ever be wrong to love someone that's asking/needing it, no matter the species. Heck, if it was a dog it would SURE be acceptable. Love that little lady and spoil her rotten!
