Lifespan of Red Stars/CQs

[topochico225]

Hey y'all!

I have two CQs, and I read somewhere that they usually die after ~2 years due to reproductive issues. Is that true? I wish I'd known that before I'd gotten them.

TIA!

 

[Meri Maura]

Mine lived to be 4 years old before they passed.

 

[Meri Maura]

But they did not die of reproductive issues. There might be some that will, but from personal experience, that is a rumor. Anyone correct me if I'm wrong!

 

[black_cat]

But they did not die of reproductive issues. There might be some that will, but from personal experience, that is a rumor. Anyone correct me if I'm wrong!

There is truth in it, and they have shorter lifespans than many other breeds. Laying an egg every day really takes a toll on their bodies. I think that a way to help prolong their lives is to NOT provide supplemental lighting in the winter, and be very attentive so that you can spot behavior changes that may mark the onset of problems.
I currently have three, and they are the sweetest birds with so much personality.

 

[Meri Maura]

I have one avid young layer, one rapidly developing sweet pullet and a beautiful, flirty roo!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Sex links are bred for production, so because they reach laying age faster and put out eggs more consistently, they tend to have reproductive system issues.

 

[CraftyHen]

I have mostly heritage breeds but have learned to enjoy having a few production hens mixed in. I don't supplement with light in the winter but the Reds keep on laying anyway so we never have to buy disappointing store eggs. They certainly slow down in laying after 2 yrs but they don't just keel over on their 2nd bday. Mine have typically lived 3-4 yrs.

 

[Kevin_87]

Hey y'all!

I have two CQs, and I read somewhere that they usually die after ~2 years due to reproductive issues. Is that true? I wish I'd known that before I'd gotten them.

TIA!

Mine is alive and well at 5. She still lays once in a while.

 

[Mrs. K]

I like having a few in my flock, not only do they lay well, they lay high quality eggs.

But I would like to mention, that a LOT OF CHICKENS are not going to be real long lived. There are some, but they are rather the exception, then the rule. Instead of keeping chickens try and keep a flock, where as birds come in and go out of the flock.

I worry that a lot of people have rather unrealistic expectations as to life spans of chickens. In my experience, (granted I do not have really expensive, high quality birds) but a chicken that is getting on to 4-5 years of any breed that I have tried, is an OLD bird.

Mrs K