[Fleecewife]

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? 

[Rosemary]

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.

[benkt]

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!

[daddymatty82]

think the oldest warren was 25 or 27 i cannot remember but about 7-9 would be of age i would think

[Fleecewife]

25    My old ladies are just babies then.  So I wonder which factors are influential on how long laying hens live.