I have had 2 flocks of chickens first ones were banys that I got when they were very little and they were my pets. second bunch were already year old and laying they are full size hens. my rooster John, is the epitamy of chickens I have never seen one so protective of his "women". I did put fencing up around my yard by house as they do destroy all the plants but they still have almost an acre to free range. lost one in November and one is about to die now. they are at least 4 years old. rooster is older than that.appreciate all the good information I get on here