Production Reds

[oceansunset73]

Just wondering how long do Rhode Island/ Production Red hens live, on a general average?

I have five, and they will be two years old in April. Just wondering how long I will be able to enjoy my girls for.

I’ve hear Production breeds don’t live as long as heritage breeds.

 

[Brahmachicken240]

They can live as long as any other breed, usually 8-10 years. Unless their tendancy to lay alot of eggs causes them internal laying issues, which are fatal.

 

[oceansunset73]

They can live as long as any other breed, usually 8-10 years. Unless their tendancy to lay alot of eggs causes them internal laying issues, which are fatal.

Ok thank you for the reply. This is encouraging.

I’ve already lost one in October due to egg yolk peritonitis. She died in my arms, it was so sad. I’m hoping no further issues in the rest of my flock later on down the road.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

I lost a hatchery RIR to the same condition - a nice girl and great layer (too good, it seems), and after doing some research, realized that serious reproductive issues like that seem to be very common with production RIRs. Stay vigilant - you know the signs now. Wishing you and your girls the best.

 

[Banditschickens]

 

[oceansunset73]

I lost a hatchery RIR to the same condition - a nice girl and great layer (too good, it seems), and after doing some research, realized that serious reproductive issues like that seem to be very common with production RIRs. Stay vigilant - you know the signs now. Wishing you and your girls the best.

Thank you so much. I’m sorry to hear about your girl as well. It’s hard to watch and know there isn’t anything you can do to help.

 

[Mrs. K]

I hate to be a wet blanket, but most of mine have been very good layers, and only lived around 3-3.5 years. I would expect to have another good summer, but then I would expect to loose them right along. Next spring for sure, I would be adding younger birds to my flock.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Thank you so much. I’m sorry to hear about your girl as well. It’s hard to watch and know there isn’t anything you can do to help.

Thank you...it really is.

 

[oceansunset73]

I hate to be a wet blanket, but most of mine have been very good layers, and only lived around 3-3.5 years. I would expect to have another good summer, but then I would expect to loose them right along. Next spring for sure, I would be adding younger birds to my flock.

Thank you. I appreciate the honesty. I was hoping for a little longer with my own girls but that’s probably wishful thinking. We will have to see. I did figure productions had a shorter lifespan. As long as they are healthy and happy I suppose.