Bluebell hen life expectancy.

[taylatequila]

Hi, I have a bluebell hen who is four years old, will be five Spring 2017.. I've done a quick google but the results say she should have only lived until 2/3 years old? Can't find much on the breed to be honest, just a few comments about the short lives of hybrids. They are a hybrid between RIR's and Marans. Anyone have one of these, I believe they are a lot more common here in the U.K?

She is a house chicken now after a serious dog attack and is loving life, doesn't want to be outside any more..

Cheers!

 

[GitaBooks]

A hen used for egg laying rarely makes it past 2-3 because they aren't given the best quality food, exercise, or allowed to molt and rest during the winter. Hens that lay too much get weak and tend to develop heart and liver issues. However, because your hen gets good care she could live well past 5, up to 8 or more in fact.
Laying hens (any breed that regularly produces eggs, not just the heavy-layers) given good care generally can make it past 3 and be very healthy.

I hope this helps. Congrats on that pretty hen of yours. : )