Isa Brown lifespan

[Samblast]

Do Isa browns live short lives compared to other chickens due to their higher egg production? Just curious because I have a few young Isa browns I really like and I want them to live long happy lives.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

In my personal experience, my Red Sex Links, Red Comets, ISA Browns, Golden Comets, etc. (depending upon formula for the sex linkage between silver hen and red roo).....

I have not had good luck with them living long lives. They have been genetically selected to be laying machines the first 2 years of their life. That makes them genetically very prone to ovarian cancer and other internal issues and not longevity as the commercial industry culls at 2 years. Mine have all died or had to be put down due to wasting by 3 years or so.

However, each bird is an individual. And each environment is unique.

I personally believe in not lighting the coop in winter to allow the hen a natural molt and recuperation time, important for a high commercial layer.

Feed them good quality layer feed with adequate calcium as they have a large calcium need. Keep them parasite free. Clean feed. Clean water. Stress free roomy coop. Free range protected from predators. Good dirt to dig bugs. Happy flock mates.

I've heard a number of them live to be 5 or 6 years of age, and some older. But in my experience, that is not the norm.

Now my backyard mutts....I am amazed to notice a number of them are now 4, 5 and even 6 years of age and still laying at least part of the week....and still a viable flock member.

My experiences with commercial sex links.

LofMc