What is the life expectancy of a chicken?

1. 59

   tirelesstravelerposted 11 years ago

   What is the life expectancy of a chicken?
   
   I would guess a hen would live longer.

   replyreport
2. 49

   Ericdierkerposted 11 years ago

   What is the purpose of the chicken? To live a long and praiseworthy life? I think not. Some chickens are served sunny side up. Some Asian dishes call for a chicken inside the egg yet not hatched. A good Pollo Asada likes free range or running chicken. A Cordon Blu requires tender yet firm. A salad requires a marinade.
   
   Life expectancy of a chicken depends on what they are useful for, for us. A hen is only good for eggs or to eat.
   
   A Rooster is good for millions of eggs.

   replyreport
   1. 59

      tirelesstravelerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      LoL

      replyreport
3. 99

   DrMark1961posted 11 years ago

   I guess that would depend on actual or potential life expectancy.
   A broiler usually only lives about 8 weeks, and a laying hen lives a few years, until her body is not able to pull any more calcium out of her bones and her production goes down and eggs come out rubbery. (I bought some "reject" Leghorns like this back in the 70s,but since their beaks were chopped off they were not able to enjoy scratching around the yard.)
   But potential? Chickens are like dogs and cats, and most hens can live up to 10, some up to 20. I do not know that anyone knows if there is a difference in males and females, since few birds are allowed to even go through a normal life.
   I disagree with Eric, and think that chickens are good for a lot more than just eggs and meat. My birds have destroyed my garden, but they are a pleasure to just watch.

   replyreport
   1. 49

      Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Awesome DrMark, I was being a bit sarcastic. I love chickens, raised em, swapped eggs for meat to get through college. If a bird needs my food, he needs it more than me. I would not be near as happy without my humming birds, Quail, Parrots...........

      replyreport
   2. 59

      tirelesstravelerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank so much DrMark for taking this seriously.  I really wanted to know how long they could live.  Parrots can live 50 years, so it only makes sense that chickens can live a good long life.

      replyreport