How long do chickens live is a usual question and one that ’s , erroneously , been drive by commercial nut farms . Here ’s how long your chickens can populate and be generative .
How Long Do Chickens Live? Commerical Farm vs. Backyard Birds
A vulgar misconception that some raw backyard flock owner have is that hens are only utile until they are 3 years old . Once they ’ve get to this watershed age , their product plummets and their value zeroes out .
When your hen have reached the end of their quality place Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , some say it ’s good to euthanize them or use them for soup .
As shocking as this misbelief may be , it ’s easy to translate where it comes from . Most commercial-grade bollock farm keep their layer until the hens make 2 to 3 years of geezerhood . Once their repose store reaches this eld , commercial-grade farms broadly speaking chuck out of their biddy , refreshing their flock with pullets just past distributor point - of - lay .
Because of this commercial practice , those new to chicken - keeping often adopt it ’s also received operating procedure for backyard fold . They could n’t be more wrong .
Small Flock Facts
Hens may dwell in backyard flocks for 6 to 8 years ( or more ! ) , and most flocks will produce testis for 3 to 4 years . “ The level of egg production , egg size and shell caliber [ however ] lessen each year , ” writes Sandra Stuttgen , associate professor with the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension , in “ Life Cycle of a Laying Hen . ” “ Most commercial-grade layers are keep for 2 to 3 years as their egg production diminish after this time . To keep a small heap producing , owners should plan to go to bed erstwhile hens and add young hens ( pullets ) every 2 to 3 years . ”
In “ component Affecting Egg Production In Backyard Chicken Flocks , ” the source note that the laying cycle per second of a chicken flock usually cover a duad of about 12 months . “ eggs product lead off when the birds pass about 18 to 22 weeks of age , depend on the stock and season , ” they compose . “ sight output rises sharply and reaches a peak of about 90 % , 6 to 8 hebdomad later . Production then step by step correct to about 65 % after 12 months of lay . ”
The decline in productivity varies greatly from boo to bird . The research worker state that ripe layer will lay for about 50 to 60 weeks and then have a rest geological period ( when they molt ) . misfortunate layers and erstwhile hens will moult more often and lay less systematically .
An old hen may not be a prime layer anymore, but she’ll still have a use around the farm.LDC/STOCK.ADOBE.COM
While it ’s dead on target that a hen ’s ball production begins to decline after age 3 , it ’s by no means over . With a right diet , plenty of brisk water , sufficient natural light and a safe living environment , a layer can continue to produce eggs for 5 to 10 years . She may only put an egg every couple of weeks , but she ’ll talk her eggs song as proudly and loudly as the tot . An old hen may not be a prime layer any longer , but she ’ll still have a use around the farm . LDC / STOCK.ADOBE.COM
Lifespan Factors
Many factor affect the life of a chicken . Poor victuals plays a key part in a hen ’s length of service . If not give a level ration specifically formulated with the pct of protein and calcium call for for proper egg production , a biddy will draw these construction - block nutrients from her own consistence ’s reservoirs , directly impact her wellness .
likewise , continual testis output can negatively touch on the lifespan of volaille . Even if fed a alimentary layer ration , daily or near - everyday production exhaust and depletes a hen , stimulate caged - stratum weariness . Allowing laying hens to rest and recuperate during the shorter daytime months can help extend their lives .
Other factors that affect a biddy ’s lifespan include a good , clean keep environs ; poultry illness and sponge ; the mien of predators ; and the eccentric of volaille she is . product hybrids will typically have a shorter lifetime than dual - purpose and heritage - breed chicken .
An old hen may not be a prime layer anymore, but she’ll still have a use around the farm.LDC/STOCK.ADOBE.COM
Extending the life of laying hen promotes their well - being and contributes to sustainable egg production . Here are several way to see a longer and healthier aliveness for these birds .
Meat Birds
The age of crybaby used for core can vary from 6 weeks to 1½ years old . Gallus gallus labeled as :
Broiler - fryersare young , tender chicken about 7 weeks old ;
Roastersare older chickens , about 3 to 5 months quondam ;
Caponsare male chickens about 16 weeks to 8 months sure-enough ;
brood / Baking Hensare matured laying hens 10 months to 1½ years old .
Source : USDA
Proper Nutrition : Laying hens demand a diet tailored to their needs . Adequate atomic number 20 is crucial for substantial eggshell , so consider provide suppress huitre shells or calcium supplements .
Clean Water : clear and refreshing pee is essential for digestion and overall health . Ensure water container are liberal from contaminants and regularly pick to prevent disease transmission .
Adequate Space : Overcrowding can lead to focus and hostility among hens . Providing ample space in the coop and lean allows hen to move freely , stretch out their wings , and preclude injuries .
Predator Protection : Secure the henhouse and take to the woods with inflexible fence , and employ hardware cloth to dissuade predators . Lock hens inside the coop at night to protect them from nocturnal threat .
Regular Veterinary Care : Establish a human relationship with an avian vet who can perform routine check - ups , administer vaccination and volunteer guidance on wellness management .
Clean Environment : on a regular basis houseclean the coop , remove dung and exchange bedding fabric to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and sponger . estimable external respiration is also crucial for gentle wind quality .
Social Interaction : volaille are societal animal and thrive on interaction with their flock . Ensure they have society to reduce strain and boredom .
Enrichment : Provide objects for hens to beak at and scratch , such as give ear veggie or stalk Basel . This brace genial and physical activeness , reducing the risk of plume pecking and cannibalism .
Egg Collection : Collect eggs daily to discourage broodiness and egg - eating . Leaving eggs in the nest can lead to problem such as broken eggs and hen go broody , which can negatively affect their health .
How Long Can Hens Live?
Given a dependable , sporting and stress - free living environment , with winter off to rest and replenish their body , and plenitude of nutritious food and clean water , hens can know as long as 8 to 10 years … and quite possibly longer . fit in to the Guinness Book of Records , the disk for the world ’s oldest chicken is held by Muffy , an American Game bantam who died at the eld of 22 . I ’ve had several that lived longer than 7 and even 10 class . One of our hen had two daughter at the advanced old age of 6 ! By provide excellent care , protection , and attention to these factors , you could aid your backyard wimp live longer , healthier life and enjoy the benefit of egg production and companionship for many eld .
This article about how longsighted to chickens live was pen for the January / February 2024 subject of Hobby Farms magazine publisher . Click here to pledge .
