What's the average lifespan for a hen?

[mudhen]

Just out of curiosity, wondering if anyone knows how long can a hen live? Any difference if a bantam vs. a regular size? Any breeds have better longevity than others?

 

[menageriemama]

I read somewhere that the record is 40 some years. I dont know if I buy that however...

 

[DLS]

40 years!!!! holey crap. They will have to have lots of chicken salad at my funeral.

 

[Reinbeau]

I think that's a chicken that was in some bar in New Jersey - turns out there were four chickens in that role.

According to this article , there is/was a 14 year old chicken that held the record. According to another article Matilda died at 16 years of age.

The average age is 7-8 years.

 

[mudhen]

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A forty year old chicken at a New Jersey bar?

 

[lockedhearts]

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So drunk chickens have a longer life span??????

 

[silkiechicken]

I think bantymum had a 17 year old hen who just passed this year if I remember right. They can easily live to 7-8 years, and if cancer or a pred doesn't get them by then, into the teens is easy, with the late teens still being possible if cared for well.

 

[FisherMOM]

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HA HA HA HA!!