Can broiler hens live a normal life?

[1cock2hens]

If you do a thread search you will see several threads on just this topic, many people have had broiler birds for years that have lived happy healthy lives.

I grew up on a commercial broiler farm, after the chicken catchers would come I would always go into the chicken houses and take the ones they left behind to give to my cousin. some would do fine in his normal flock and thrive for years, others would randomly have heart attacks after a couple months.

 

[Geggs]

Well said, chickengeorgeto. Roosters do as nature directs them. I certainly have no problem with that. However, due to human efforts for a meatier chicken, these hens will have trouble holding up their own weight. The added weight of a rooster could easily damage their legs. In this case, it seems that a rooster free area might be the kindest choice. It is the added weight, not the rooster's natural inclinations, from which these girls might appreciate protection.

Thank you for pointing out an unintended impression in my post.

 

[TiaMaria413]

I want to keep them happy and healthy for their life.
They can still fly up on everything about 3-4feet

Hi there. I also have a broiler hen that I got at 2 months old. She’s now 4 months old. It was given to me by someone who was going to slaughter it. I didn’t ask for it, but I decided to keep her instead of letting her get slaughtered.
I know I have to be ready to put her out of her misery when the day comes that she can’t walk or eat, but for now she is seemingly very healthy. She runs everywhere and jumps up about 4 feet onto a roosting perch. She’s my sole chicken.
I’m curious how long your two chickens lived.