Growing up I remember a few chickens that made it to 13 years. They escaped death likely due to their character. I grew up around culling, slaughter, and some hunting. I never was comfortable doing it, but knew if you eat meat, that's what had to be done. Just as predators need to be culled to prevent problems from arising. I believe the first 9 months are the most important for a chicken. At nine months, the average chicken has developed resistance to many adolescent diseases, has full bone structure, confirmation, plumage, etc. They finish this and mature into adulthood.Wow, 9 years, that's amazing!! I hope my girls gets to be that old! Good for them!
The chick with the swollen vent is doing very well, thanks for askingshe's never had a problem like that again and is laying eggs without any problems. I do get a little worried sometimes bc her eggs seem pretty big for such a small chicken! She's my smallest one and I'm pretty sure they're done growing at this point? I would rather her lay smaller eggs than strain herself even more but I don't think she'd listen if I told her that
I'm glad that first pullet isn't having any more problems. Some hybrid production layer breeds were selectively bred for that, and not for the best interest of the breed. As egg production became more industrialized, smaller hens took up less space in a battery environment, and man still wanted them to produce numerous large eggs. Life span didn't matter since industry uses layers for about a year and they end up in dog food, etc. My experience is they have more problems with prolapse, internal laying, etc., so I don't keep them anymore. I think well bred Black sex-links are an exception, and a few others.
A balanced diet, supplementation of required minerals and vitamins, good ventilation in the coop, and a well kept yard and coop, should help prevent problems for your birds. Don't let friends visit the area where birds are kept without sanitizing shoes, boots, and make them wash their hands or use a hand sanitizer. It may sound picky, but people can bring in diseases off the street just as much as the introduction of new birds can.
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it's such a shame the way the egg industry is. I don't eat store bought eggs anymore since I have my own. I'm not interested in max egg production, I just want them to live long and healthy lives. I love my little Tracie so much but if what you say is true, I won't be getting any more sex links. 
