Age questions

[1cshook]

In general, what is the life expectancy of a chicken? Also, how many of those years are productive with regard to egg laying?
Thanks!

 

[CuzChickens]

Hello, I think the average life expectancy for a chicken varies around 7-8 years, though they often die before that due to diseases and predators. I am pretty sure the record for oldest chicken was 20 years. Chickens are most productive the first 2 years of their life, for the next 2 they are slowing down, but still productive, and then you will only be able to expect 1-3 eggs a week from a chicken older than that.

 

[Spartan22]

I'll answer your second question based only on my experience with my almost 3 year old hens, out 7 chickens I get 3 eggs a day on average versus 95% ( 5-7 eggs daily) production on their first year.

 

[Mrs. K]

There are definitely reports of older birds. And the breed and where you got the bird does heavily influence the lifespan of the bird.

However, I think a more realistic expectant average age would be 3-4 years. Some will last longer, some won't make it that long. I have had a lot of birds (from hatcheries) be perfectly fine one day, dead the next around the 3 year mark.

Mrs K

 

[azygous]

Sumi recently posted this as the "question of the week". It has been a very prolific thread. You might want to read through the responses. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1131537/topic-question-of-the-week-how-long-do-chickens-live

I personally have a very healthy eight and a half year old Light Brahma hen. She says she has no immediate plans on dying.

I also have two seven year old Wyandottes who still lay regularly.

With good diet and good care, chickens can have long and productive lives.