The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Fleecewife on February 09, 2011, 12:03:55 am
-
One of our hens died yesterday of old age. She was I think four. We have had others which have lived to be at least seven. I was wondering how long hens tend to live? Is their longevity related to breed, to production system (such as battery/winter lighting/natural free range), to the original breeder, or to some other factor? :chook: :chook: :chook:
-
Oldest one I've had was a Rhode Islad Red who was eight. I suspect that the traditional breeds are longer lived than hybrids but that's only my thoughts not by experience - they seem hardier. Have a quick look on TAS diary - there's an entry called "Old birds" with recorded ages for garden birds.
-
I've got a couple of our original Marans hens left who we got as chicks about six years ago. They don't lay much but as they're free range they don't cost a lot in food either so I've just let them get on with it and will see how long they last!
-
think the oldest warren was 25 or 27 i cannot remember but about 7-9 would be of age i would think
-
25 :o 8) My old ladies are just babies then. So I wonder which factors are influential on how long laying hens live.