What's the average life span for hens? RIP Brownie

[Country4ever]

Went out to the coop this morning to open it up for the girls, and there lay Brownie, dead on the floor. She was an easter-egger and I loved her. She looked totally healthy, such a beautiful coat of feathers. My girls will be 8 in June. I started out with 17 and now I'm down to 6. Brownie didn't appear to have any injuries. Is it real possible that she just died of old age? She has been the first one up on the roost at night recently. I'm hoping she was just worn out, and didn't have an illness I might have prevented. She was still so beautiful. Some of my chickens seem so much weaker than her. I never thought she would go before them. After having lost 11 of them over the past 6-7 years to illness, I thought it would no longer bother me to lose one. But I'm still crying my eyes out.

 

[jennh]

I read the average for HEALTHY hens is 8-10 yrs, so I think you're doing pretty good

.

 

[gritsar]

Sorry for your loss.

 

[Country4ever]

Thanks jennh and gritsar.

 

[snowflake]

sorry for your loss,

 

[Carrie Lynn]

I'm sorry you lost her.
You must have given her a wonderful life for her to live so long.
How nice you kept her and loved her after she stopped laying.

 

[Newbie in Screamer Al]

I know your pain. Just lost a young RR last week. Its sad I know. Sorry for your loss girl..........

 

[Scoop]

Awe... I am so sorry for your loss. Easter-eggers sure are special. But don't forget, any chicken can die at any time and you won't always know the reason. Sounds like she had a good life and you know that you were a big part of it. Again, I am so sorry.

 

[Happy Chooks]

I'm so sorry.

She had a good long life with you.