What is the average life expectancy of a chicken?

[chickensRPZ]

We have two bantees now, well we used to have three, but one of the hens recently passed away.

she was an old chicken, but i was just wondering what the life expectancy really was.

if i didnt give enough info, just comment back.


thanks!!!

 

[arlee453]

Chickens can live a lot longer with good care and a little luck than most people realize.

There are folks here that have had chickens live well into their teens or close even to 20 years.

 

[ears73]

Hi,

I've heard 5-7 years on average... depends on predators, disease, etc. Lots of factors...
Never heard 15 years, but wowowow!!! That's one old chickie!

 

[Abby2]

I have a Chinese Silkie which is 22 years old - unfortunately over the past few months she has gone blind. So 3 times a day I have to put a dinner dish in front of her so she can find her food and of course there is the additional problem of taking her of the roost early each morning - she can get up but unable to get down.

 

[Hyline]

Awwww Abby2, that is so sweet, an elderly silkie!

my vet told me an average of ten years for a well kept pet chicken, I hope my angels make it to 22!

 

[Gladys9]

Hi!
I have a chicken that just turn 10 years old yesterday, she is half silky. Every morning I say good morning to her and every night I say good night. Her name is Pirie, she is off white and has a lot of feather more than the usual average chicken, I love her so much, she and my dog always fighting but my dog would never hurt her. they are the joy of my life!

 

[lillisa]

I got my son a pet chicken because he found a yard egg outside. He believes he nourished this egg, and hatched a baby. Needless to say , this is no baby chicken anymore, and me being so simple minded, I have absolutely fallen in love with this hen. I feel a strong attachment she has for me, and it seems to make me feel so special to think she really remembers me. Every morning, we hang out. If she hears the front door open, she will come dashing to me. And the best thing yet, she plays and loves all 3 dogs and 2 cats. Interesting interactions always in store amongst the pets!!! Seems to amaze me every night, she stands by front door until I let her inside to her cage, and she know when and where to go without hesitation. I just love her!!! She is only 7 months old, but looking forward to a long life with her!!

 

[pamandtony]

I had one of my hens pass away the other day. Seemed very healthy and she was the largest and the boss hen in the flock. She came out of the pen went and sat in a pile of leaves like she was laying. A little while later she had died. 2 years old. I am wondering what could have caused this. We lost another about 4 months ago but I believe she had a respiratory infection. We do have 2 new hens that were added a few weeks ago in with the others but they are healthy. Any ideas?