How long do Commercial Birds (RIR) live?

[christmaschicken]

I have a Rhode Island Red whom seems to be fading on me she showed no evidence of illness just seems to be declining on me she is about 3 1/2 now and was part of my very first flock and the only one remaining of 20. I have a entirely new flock of 30 or so now and she has fit right in with them.

 

[Imp]

Chickens can live 15+ years, but that is rare. There are a few people here who have older chickens.

Imp

 

[christmaschicken]

She is now staying in the laying box will not come down to drink or eat. However, if I hold her near the water she will drink and drink but seems to be loosing ability to stand or get down from the boxes to eat.

I fed her some bannana yesterday and she loved it gobbled it, I would swear she is going blind, she does not acknowledge my hand coming toward her but once she realizes it's me she seems comforted. When I hold her she puts her head on my shoulder as if to say I am not feeling so well.

I have started her on some Antibiotics today and electrolights we will see how she improoves by Monday hopefully she is such a great girl. I feel like I owe her this extra care right now.

 

[Imp]

So sorry she's not feeling well. Good of you to take care of her.
Are you sure she is not broody?

Imp

 

[Tangerine farmer]

I was given one who was 11, and she would still occassionally lay an egg! I think though, that your girl may have a tumor or something. When they are heavy layers they can run out of eggs, but I don't know that they actually waste away. I have heard that chickens are prone to tumors.

I couldn't do it, but you could explore her little body if she doesn't make it. There are photos of necropsies on a site somewhere I found (think it was U of Missouri).) What to look for in the liver etc, but .......... I just bury my little ones and don't do any cutting.

good luck!