How long do roosters live?

[sophiejw]

I am asking because tonight we were talking about my rooster, Lucky Jim and my husband said he thought he wouldn't be around much longer because "roosters only live for a year don't they".

Now I thought they lived the same as hens, so potentially alot more than a year. But as my husband really doesn't like Lucky Jim because he wakes him up in the mornings I think maybe he is putting up with him on this basis (he's 10 months old). But I'd like to know- do they live the same as hens or just a year?

My poor husband, lol I inherited a cat he couldn't stand a few years ago, I told him they lived to about 10, the cat just died last year 2 months short of his 20th birthday. Luckily husband had got used to him by then. I'm hoping he might get used to Lucky Jim too eventually.....

 

[dainerra]

I'd say that, barring sickness and predators, Lucky Jim could easily live at least 5 years. I think my grandmothers longest lived rooster made it to 8.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

My oldest rooster is 6. He's apparently in the early stages of memory loss as well, because he's forgotten we used to be great friends

he's attacked me twice this past week (in all the years I've had him these are the only times he's done it). Unfortunately I'm thinking this was his way of telling me he's on his way out, cause he's looking worse and worse everyday. I guess what I'm saying is, with great care they can live quite sometime. I think 6 is pretty old for a chicken, but I've seen others on this forum who have birds older than that

 

[sophiejw]

So Very Lucky Jim, not so lucky husband

Hope he gets used to him then..... I am thinking about trying putting him in the stable at night with blacked out windows to stop him waking up so early.

Here's a couple of pictures of him, I think he's lovely

He's an Australorp LF. I'm going to get some Australorp hatching eggs to hatch out some lady friends for him since he's going to be around for a bit longer

 

[dainerra]

Quote:
It would work better to get some ear plugs for hubby. I don't know of anyone who has ever had luck "blacking out" a rooster. Shoot, I've known more than a few who crow well before sunup.

 

[WooingWyandotte]

He's beautiful! I love australorps, but our last hen was really mean. She would grab your skin then twist with her beak and tear off. It hurt really bad!

 

[Kimberlie0331]

Lucky Jim is beautiful....I have a Rhode Island Red Rooster who is 4 years old and his son who is 3 years old. Both of them Crow at all hours...when they hear an animal outside around their coop they crow to warn of a predator. I have had to move my 4 yrs old Rooster inside for the winter as he had and injury to his back and couldn't sit up and I did Rooster therapy on him and got him sitting up and then worked with his legs to get him to stand again and walk but he has a limp now and can't run from the other rooster any longer and it was very cold this last winter so he stayed inside at night and CROWED at 4am sometimes! The hubby gave in because he was injured! He has just rejoined the crew outside this week and is sooo happy and walking so much better and no more crowing in the house at night! LOL
Good luck with your chickens....I love mine!

 

[lovinmyhens]

Hi there, I did have to reply to this it made me smile so much haha ! your poor husband, interesting to know too, as I have a cockerel a rescued one as I am in Spain and such things are necessary sometimes and Im not sure how old he is... is there any way of knowing.. we have had him for nearly 4 years now and it made me quite sad to think he may only live til he is around six. I have noticed he looks a little slower but he is still a happy chap and by the way.. my husband is suffering too as he doesnt like how he wakes him up either... I dont mind as I love early mornings- ha what they have to put up with eh ? Maybe just tell him you have a truly valuable and unique bird x and sounds like your pets do well in longevity hahah!!

 

[piopio1]

Roosters can live up to 10years, I have one who is 9years old. Sometimes they attack their friends because of the clothing you are wearing, reminds them of something that was trying to attack him. For example a standard poodle tried to attack my rooster and one day I wore a sweater the same color as the poodle, he tried to attack me. Your rooster the black one is beautiful, sometimes they can be annoying and waking people up when you want to sleep, but we are spoil. If we went to sleep when they did we would be able to get up and start our day early. The farmers did it. My neighbors got used to it now it does not even bother them my rooster even saved them from loosing their jobs, when the electricity went off in the middle of the night. He would wake them up in the morning. Roosters do not like everybody they only like certain people.

 

[ShockValue]

Sometimes loud roosters are prone to "accidents". He might only live 1 year as your husband has suggested.