Picture of the Day 2/7/2013 Young and Old Hens

Yoda

With the addition of an older hen into the flock, I have noticed that the year-old hens walk, run, jump, and shine like youth.  Our eight year old dodders along, getting where she wants when she wants.  During the last cold spell, she stayed in the coop most of the day, not even venturing into the enclosure.

It's common for a hen in a backyard setting to live 8-10 years, but there are reports of chickens living as many as 20 years! The older they get, of course, the fewer eggs they lay, but think of all their other valuable functions besides being a loved member of the family.  They still eat bugs and fertilize the earth.