I was given a dozen Cochin banty chicks 6 years ago. I still have 2 hens (Biddie and Lorraine) and they each lay an egg every couple of weeks. Of the 12-day old chicks, 6 were roosters! Two of the hens met their demise at the hands of a raccoon, one to a weasel and one to a coyote. They are the best mother hens.
I have an old English bantam hen LOLA, who was given to me last year and I was told she was at least 6 years old.... She is the Best mom and lays one tiny egg a year when she goes broody. Of course it isn't fertilized because the rooster doesn't dare do anything but protect her LOL
So we give her some eggs to hatch and she is happy as can be! She protected her chicks from a hawk and was carried off across the yard and managed to get away by the time we ran outside. She had a couple bald spots but went right back to her babies and made sure they were safe!!!!!
She is sweet and loves to be held when it's cold outside
Last winter we (ok ME) brought her in the house when it dropped down to 25 one night.
I just LOVE that little hen!