Natural life expectancy?

[clairabean]

How long do chickens last in a normal, farm raised, somewhat 'spoiled' life? If you were to let nature take it's course?

How old ws your oldest chicken? And do roos live longer than egg producing hens?

 

[JodyJo]

I have read up to 15 years.....

 

[saladin]

I've had cocks that were at least 15 years. Not spoiled though: that is the fastest way to kill anything and there is nothing Natural about it.

 

[clairabean]

Somewhat spoiled to me = loved, protected, healthy free range, greens to eat, talked to. Healthy, happy. NO junk to eat, NO house, NO spoiled rotten kind of things. Just healthy, happy, loving.

 

[saladin]

With your definition: I'd count on 8-10 years.

As they age the winters get harder and harder on them. Your from BC: I'd think 8-10 would be good, but maybe some of the Canadians on site could give a better answer.

Here in the South, it is the summers that are the hardest on them, but I don't think nearly as hard as your winters.

 

[saladin]

Wet weather is also very hard on chickens: almost, dare I say, as hard on them as winter weather.