Whats your oldest hen?

[Lynn57]

Years ago we had chickens when my kids were little. We had gotten one from a commerical egg laying plant and she was probably about a year old. We had her for eight years and I gave her to a petting zoo when we moved. She still layed a egg or two weekly at eight years old. I often wonder how long she ended up living. I'm curious if anyone on this board has chickens that have reached that age or beyone? and if so...are they still laying?

cheers

Lynn
www.spruceviewfarms.com

 

[92caddy]

I had a BR that was going 10, a fox got her, I now have a buff orp that is about 9 and a game hen that is 6.............

 

[laughingllama75]

Last week, I lost my bantam R.I. Red......I had her for 9 years, and she was at least a year when i got her. She laid till' 3 days before she passed. She was an awesome little hen, I have another bantam OEG cross that is 9. She still lays once a week or so.

 

[Mahonri]

At present, my oldest female chicken is just a month or two over a year old.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Bucky turned 8 last month; she is currently mama-ing a clutch of chicks, although she didn't hatch them or brood at all. In true silkie fashion she took one look at these poor motherless babies and said, "My Babies!!! Cluck, cluck, cluck--see this good food! Come have some!"

This year I lost Cara'cana, an araucana, who was probably at least 12.

(Don't try giving babies to just any hen, and always watch to see if they are accepted--some hens will kill them, others ignore them entirely--neither are good for a mama hen)

 

[Krys109uk]

she is currently mama-ing a clutch of chicks, although she didn't hatch them or brood at all

Wow, you mean she took on babies when she hadn't even been broody?​

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Mr. Mom, my Light Brahma male was 12 years old when he died on Mother's Day of this year.

His daughter is the next oldest and is 9 years old.

 

[Scott]

That is interesting! I've wonder if some hens would do that. It would certainly come in handy. I know that if my hens are raising a clutch of chicks, they can not stand other hens or chicks. If fact, the most bickering Ive ever seen in my flock was this spring when I had 3 different hens each with a set of chicks. And my hens are cochins... one of the most docile breeds.

 

[lovemychix]

Quote:
I have a little sizzle that will take care of anything.

I have one silly broody that can never ever raise babies. She smashes them or lets the other hens peck them.

Sizzle usually gets them.

And she loves them like her own.

 

[lovemychix]

This thread is great because I always wonder what I'm going to do with all my "pet" chickens when they quit laying. Seems like they lay well for quite a while. So now no worries.