Age Questions

[ThornyRidge]

I ventured into the world of chickens in 2001 when on a whim I managed to pluck two pullets from a child's wading pool full of barred rock and RIR peeps. Lo and behold those girls are still with me and have been by far the best chickens anyone could ever ask for.. it seems as if they have long surpassed their laying days( in their prime they were machines cranking out the largest eggs ever). I am just wondering on typical age ranges of chickens.. I have read varying answers on life expectancy. My chickens have never really been medicated- really have went au natural their whole life and have had no major parasite/illness problems. Up until the last year and a half they free ranged over my 3 acres but were locked up at night. They seem to be doing ok just with maybe not as much spunk as their much younger coop mates. They will continue to live out their lives without any worry.. I cannot bear to "eat" my pets/family members!!! In my world chicken just comes from a package in the grocery store.

 

[estpr13]

Most store bought chickens live about 8 weeks. Then processed.

Most laying hens will live from one season to three seasons. Then processed.

Roos will live about 16 weeks. Then processed.

Most other chickens live until killed by preditors, or weaked by disease. Just a few years.

Pet chickens; I've been told, can live up to 12 years if given pampered attention.

It's hard to say how long an animal bred for food can live. Hybrids will live longer because of "hybrid vigor".

I wish you luck with your girls. Hope they live a long and pleasant live.

 

[Maryallison77]

I was kinda wondering the same thing. I have a favorite chicken outta my flock of 25. I LOVE Autum. I pick her up and carry her around, bought her a chicken tractor too! I would LOVE it if she lives a happy 12 year old life!

 

[FrontPorchIndiana]

I've heard they can live up to 20 years old in the right situation. I think I read that in Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens.

 

[terrid856]

I was wondering about life expectancy too. I have a 2 yr old barred rock, my first, thats my pride and joy. Her name is Chicklet. (I have 6 grandkids, and its Chicklets pic on my cell phone!!!) I also have 3 RIGoldens, 1 yr old, named winken, blinkin and nod. And just today, became the adopted mom of a white crested black poland, that I named Diva.
Anyone know how long they lay for? Thanks, Terri

 

[ThornyRidge]

My oldest girls (the matriarchs Chris and Jean-wasn't sure if they were pullets when little so unisex names) laid excellently for me for better than four years and then sporadically for about a year and ahalf.. it has only been in the past year to year and a half that I don't seem to get any eggs from them.. however they still do molt and I believe have given a couple eggs here and there.. they will be 8 in the spring.. I have a Light Brahma that is going on 5 and she has still been a laying machine up through the middle of this past summer.. and then she hit a molt late summer and stopped.. I will be curious what she does later.. my new girls that I just got this spring all started laying at the end of summer and are putting out eggs left and right..even in the frigid/snowy cold of NE Ohio now. Here is hoping my girls live on many more years..