Average Life Span?

[m2wandc]

I know research shows chickens can live 10-12 years...but I'd like to know on average, what YOUR experience is...about how long before your chickens pass on???

 

[MoodyChicken]

Depends on the breed. Same reason why a lab would outlive a great dane. Extremes don't live as long. Games tend to live longest, meats have a short life span, and eggers have a moderate lifespan. Anywhere from 3-15 years is expected.

 

[Becky_H]

Is there a difference between standard/bantams you think? Anyone>?

 

[MoodyChicken]

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Don't think so... but I have noticed that LF suffer from reproductive failure more commonly. That usually kills so that would impact the lifespan, lol. OE bantams hold the record for longest average lifespan.

 

[Becky_H]

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OE bantams hold the record for longest average lifespan.

Awesome. I've got a 3 month old one of those, and she's absolutely one of my favorites. Having her around for a decade would be nice. Even if she does remind me more of a dove than a real chicken. (Hey, what can I say? I'm BRAND new to the bantam thing. Their teeny-ness confuses me)

 

[MoodyChicken]

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She'll hit 10 easy. It's not uncommon for them to reach 15, and I think the record is 19.

 

[undermywings]

Right now, we have a 10 year old RIR still laying an egg a day. All of our chickens keep laying and live between 9 and 14 years. I was stunned when I first came to BYC and learned that people cull their hens after 2 to 4 years due to loss in egg production. They may reduce their egg production, bantams more so than standards, but they are still worth feeding and keeping. The only exception in lifespan has been when predators cut it short.

 

[m2wandc]

are all silkies 'bantam' ???

I am guessing I can't get new chicks until a gap opens up and not that I want my new chicks to die...LOL...I was just wondering if I should get rid of the 'brooder stuff' because it will be some time before I do the baby chickie thing again???

 

[m2wandc]

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Oh there will be no culling here...these chickens will live for as long as they live (unless sick and the vet puts them down...but I won't be doing it) LOL

 

[ZooMummzy]

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Oh there will be no culling here...these chickens will live for as long as they live (unless sick and the vet puts them down...but I won't be doing it) LOL

Same here, they are my pets but I know a lot of people on the site are into the business of eggs and other things, so I guess that is why they cull and replace. I had to cull a chick a few weeks ago and it killed me too! I never judge but I can't imagine because I did not go into chickens as a business, more of a hobby and now an addiction, lol. I cry when I lose one and spoil every single one of them. That is great to know about the RIR. I have 3 of them and just love them.