Fulltime fermented feed effects on lifespan

[Elle111]

I see them as pets. I think it's as legitimate a goal as high quality eggs, no?

 

[Perris]

I see them as pets. I think it's as legitimate a goal as high quality eggs, no?

As someone who doesn't cull birds just because they are past their prime I of course agree; I just think your expected lifespan is overly optimistic.

 

[Elle111]

Well, that's where the feed and my curiosity come in. It might be chickens have 'a longer lifespan in them' so to speak,if consistently fed something superior to layer feed. But I guess you're right, you have to be realistic as well.

 

[FrostRanger]

Well, that's where the feed and my curiosity come in. It might be chickens have 'a longer lifespan in them' so to speak,if consistently fed something superior to layer feed. But I guess you're right, you have to be realistic as well.

Also breed and the genetics of the individual bird play a big factor as well. Production breeds such as ISA browns and sex links tend to live shorter lives and are prone to reproductive issues, Cornish crosses are lucky to live a few months. Best bet as far as breed are heritage breeds, non production hybrids and barnyard mixes preferably from somewhere that has good health as a focus but even then an individual bird can still have problems for various reasons.

The average lifespan for a chicken is 5-8 years, some may live longer, some may not live as long. Diet and a good stress free environment certainly play a big part as does picking good breeds and/or mixes but often how long exactly an individual bird will live comes down to chance. Just do your best to provide the best care you are able to and enjoy whatever time you have with your birds, nobody knows how much time they or anyone else truly has on this earth so make the best of it

 

[Susangopher1]

Interesting that a Google search reveals that the oldest chicken ever recorded was 21.5 years. Recently another was 21, current record holder was 14 in 2025 and is apparently still going. Note that all these seem to be "house chickens" LOL

 

[SkyAJK]

A question....why do manufacture put iron in feed?

I am thinking of mixing my own feed because I am wanting to avoid GM soy. I read the label the they stated added minerals, vitamins, iron.. I am thinking where on earth do I get these and how much to put in.

I can only get whole grains like wheat, sorghum, sunflower seeds, oat whole, corns spit. My chickens do not eat lentil and a few that did ended up with sour crop.