Why did my Pekin Bantam die? Any ideas? How long do they live?

[kellogs]

Hi, I wondered if anyone had any idea why my Lavender Pekin Bantam has just died, I found her this morning in the hen house - she seemed really well yesterday, she was laying fine, she was really lively and acting like normal. I checked on them all before I locked them in for the night and she seemed to be absolutely fine. She was nearly 3 yrs old - is that a normal age for them to live to? I thought they lived more like 5-7 yrs? Maybe I'm wrong. It's such a shame she was a great character, really tame and I've raised her since she was a chick, I'll really miss her
The other hens all seem to be ok and I can't see any sign she has been attacked or anything visible on her body that could give me a clue what happened. I know these things happen sometimes and I guess it is better than a long illness, it's just that she seemed so healthy and young - does anyone know what could cause this. The weather is fine - sunny but not too hot, no sign of mites or anything. I can't think what's happened and I wonder if there's anything I should watch out for with the other hens. I have 2 other Pekins, a Well-summer bantam and an ex battery hen.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and for any suggestions,
Penny

 

[CMV]

I am sorry for your loss. You could send her in for necropsy to ascertain her cause of death. It is the only way you will know for certain. If you choose to do this, her body is going to need to be placed on ice, and readied for shipping.

It's tough when birds die suddenly and without warning. Unfortunately, it happens all too frequently.

Good luck.

 

[kellogs]

Thanks for your reply CMV, I guess that is the only way to know for sure. I just wonder if 3 yrs is the average age for Pekin Bantams to live? Or should they live longer than that? I'm thinking about the other Pekins I have- do they normally live to be older than 3? Thanks for your help

 

[CMV]

Life expectancy is highly variable in chickens. I have heard that the average life expectancy can be 10-15 years, but rarely do you hear of that in real life. In real life, depending on genetics and environment, the average bird will live 5-7 years. Your girl died a little young, but I have found that underlying health issues start to rear their heads at about that age.

Again, I am sorry for your loss. It is hard to lose a pet.

 

[kellogs]

Thanks, that's interesting to know the age range and that health issues can start around the age she was. It was a real shock to find her as she had been so well, thanks for your kind words. Hope all your hens are well
Take care
Penny

 

[pipsybell]

Hi Penny,
My black bantam died yesterday and I think she must of died of old age just like your's. My bantam was 4yrs old and she was very tame and had produced many eggs and 3 lots of chicks. She didn't have any parasites or anything wrong with her and when I went to feed the chickens yesterday morning she had fallen of the perch and was all cold. I think she must of died from old age then fell of the perch in her sleep in the middle of the night. The poor dear little thing. I hope my other chickens don't die of old age like her. Anyway I will just have to keep the rest of her chicks and make them as tame as her. I don't think that bantam chickens live for very long, probably about 3-5yrs would be the max for them.
From Pippa

 

[The Hen Hut]

I have a 12 year old White Japanese Bantam. Gifted to me from a breeder when she was about a year old. Still alert, bright comb and steady firm upright tail and so intelligent. I lost a bird once due to being egg bound, and once to viral infection. All I do is keep spider mite and louse infection in check, clean hut regularly, use wood shavings instead of hay or straw (which usually carry both insects) keep water clean, offer good quality feed, watch for drooping comb or a pale comb, make sure grit is available at all times and worm regularly. I often use apple cider vinegar as a tonic. Am sorry your bird died so young, sometimes with all possible careful care a weak bird will not make it to old age.

 

[Ploomy]

I have a 12 year old White Japanese Bantam. Gifted to me from a breeder when she was about a year old. Still alert, bright comb and steady firm upright tail and so intelligent. I lost a bird once due to being egg bound, and once to viral infection. All I do is keep spider mite and louse infection in check, clean hut regularly, use wood shavings instead of hay or straw (which usually carry both insects) keep water clean, offer good quality feed, watch for drooping comb or a pale comb, make sure grit is available at all times and worm regularly. I often use apple cider vinegar as a tonic. Am sorry your bird died so young, sometimes with all possible careful care a weak bird will not make it to old age.

I use 5ml of apple cyder vinigar per 1ltr water all the time ;-)

 

[NannaLea64]

Average Lifespan for a Pekin Chicken is 4-5 years. So 3 is a bit young, but as a species they are one that has a shorter lifespan unfortunately. I love Pekins and have several different types and colours atm and their personality is second to none. They love to be cuddled and love to chat to you and follow you around like a puppy dog. My favourite breed of chicken...

 

[DebR61]

Hi, I wondered if anyone had any idea why my Lavender Pekin Bantam has just died, I found her this morning in the hen house - she seemed really well yesterday, she was laying fine, she was really lively and acting like normal. I checked on them all before I locked them in for the night and she seemed to be absolutely fine. She was nearly 3 yrs old - is that a normal age for them to live to? I thought they lived more like 5-7 yrs? Maybe I'm wrong. It's such a shame she was a great character, really tame and I've raised her since she was a chick, I'll really miss her
The other hens all seem to be ok and I can't see any sign she has been attacked or anything visible on her body that could give me a clue what happened. I know these things happen sometimes and I guess it is better than a long illness, it's just that she seemed so healthy and young - does anyone know what could cause this. The weather is fine - sunny but not too hot, no sign of mites or anything. I can't think what's happened and I wonder if there's anything I should watch out for with the other hens. I have 2 other Pekins, a Well-summer bantam and an ex battery hen.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and for any suggestions,
Penny

Hi Kellog, sorry about your loss. These little bantams are such characters. I have 3 Pékin bantams left from my original 4. One was attacked by a dog that broke into my yard! My other girls will be 10 years old in April. They are very spoiled "ladies of the manor" and very very tame. I thought they lived until about 6 years of age but these girls are still going strong!
I used to keep some ex battery hens too but they lasted, on average, a further 2 years after I brought them home. I'd usually just find one dead in the coup in the morning with no warning signs the day before.
My bantams have stopped laying now and still have the freedom of my garden. They tap on my door when they want to come inside for cuddles and cake..... Still very spoiled!!