Chickens are a popular choice for backyard poultry, and for good reason!
They are relatively easy to care for and make great additions to any home. Plus, who doesn't love fresh eggs?!
Chickens live an average of 10 years. However, chicken lifespan depends on the breed of chicken. Some chickens live shorter lives while other chickens can live much longer.
Read on to learn more about chicken lifespan and how long different breeds of chickens live.
Living circumstances and several other variables, like genetics, can also affect life expectancy, which chicken owners are unable to take into consideration. However, depending on breed, size, and laying capacity, there are a few constants that enable us to determine the general life expectancy of a hen.
The average lifespan of a chicken is 10 years. However, chicken lifespan depends on the breed of chicken. Some chicken breeds only live for 6 years while other chicken breeds can live up to 20 years.
The following are the 5 longest-lived chicken breeds:
1. Brahma chickens
They seem scary, yet they are actually gentle giants. They are great compliments to any flock and even aid in protecting it from lesser predators. These giant chickens were originally from China and can weigh up to 18 pounds. Brahma chickens have a lifespan of around 10-15 years.
2. Coques de Barcelos
These DOC protected Portuguese chickens are known for their stunning feathers. Coques de Barcelos have a lifespan of around 10-12 years.
3. Dorking
An old breed of chicken known as the Dorking was named after the Surrey market town of Dorking (or Darking) and is said to have originated in the counties of Kent, Sussex, and Surrey in southeast England.
One of the most sought-after breeds of the premium table fowl produced in this region was the five-toed Dorking. Dorking chickens have a lifespan of around 10-12 years.
4. Faverolles
The medium-sized Faverolles has a lot of feathers, which provides the bird with protection throughout the winter. This bird has five toes, much like the Dorking, which is likely the result of a descending gene brought about by a mix between another breed and the Dorking somewhere down the Faverolles breed line.
Both the male and female Faverolles are outfitted with a beard and muffs. Faverolles are a French breed of chicken that was developed in the 1860s. Faverolles have a lifespan of around 10-12 years.
5. Orloff
Russian Orloff chickens have a distinctive and exquisite feather pattern, and their flesh is of high quality and flavor. However, after being well-liked in Britain, it started to lose its appeal, turned into an endangered breed, and was on the verge of extinction.
Orloff chickens were developed in Russia in the 19th century and are known for being cold hardy. Orloff chickens have a lifespan of around 12-14 years.
How to Make Your Chicken Live a Long Life?
Build a Nice and Comfy Coop. Your coop has to be constructed securely enough to keep predators outside where they may harm your hens.
Provide Nutritious Feed. When thinking about a chicken's longevity, choosing the right feed and nutrition is crucial. Food is crucial for the body and guarantees that your chicken will have all the vitamins and minerals it needs to live a long and healthy life. Honest Worm provides nutritious treats for chickens with a high quality yellow mealworm. If you want to give the best and premium treat for your flock, visit our website.
Pick your chicks wisely. A long-lived chicken requires care from the first day you pick it. Choose a trustworthy breeder to get your chicks from, then conduct some study on the breeds that will live the longest and fit your lifestyle.
On average, chickens live between 5 and 10 years, but there is a great deal of variation in lifespan depending on the specific type of chicken and how it is raised.
Egg-laying chickens typically live longer than meat chickens due to different breeding practices.
However, the biggest factor affecting a chicken’s lifespan is how it is raised.
Chickens that are raised in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions have a shorter lifespan than those that are well-cared for with plenty of space to roam freely.
Make sure that you are treating your chickens with nutritious feeds and treats in order to make them live a happy and long lives. Consider buying our premium yellow mealworms for the cheapest price!