Ive just worked it out. She came as part of the first lot of hens... she laid our first egg and has carried on ever since. 'Mother' has raised numerous hatches of chicks and also was the sole surviver of a fox attack in her first winter here.
I took that first egg up to my sons primary school to show him - I remember he was so excited...being only 5 1/2 yrs old. He is now 24 1/2 yrs...so she must be over 19 yrs herself..
It just didnt occur to me to do the calculations before..Its just she has been so 'part' of the place that I have taken her for granted..and not thought it through...I know I am not confusing her with other hens she is so individual. Mother is healthy sleek, glossy, and still very much the boss!! A bit of a glamorous granny
Wooooh...
Emma T