Life expectancy of various chicken breeds

[BK79]

What has longer longevity among hens? (RIR"s, Red Sex link, Barred Plymouth Rock's?)
Also I have hens that are 11 months old, I haven't wormed them, they are laying everyday...they haven't free ranged in over a month due to snow cover. Do I have to use a preventative of something to keep them healthy?
what is a good disinfectant for the chicken coop ? I heard white vinegar in a spray bottle works??

 

[brahmabreeder]

I'll answer your first question. The sex linked birds supposedly have short lives. So the RIR/BR would live longer. The more productive a bird is the quicker it will get weak and die.

 

[BK79]

I hear you...how short for the RSL? in terms of years?

 

[Mrs. K]

I think 3-4 years, although it will vary hugely from bird to bird. And I also think from climate to climate. Those of us that have a winter, I think our birds age faster than the warmer places.

 

[franzman12]

When I first ordered chickens I started with 9 RSL. Now 3 and 1/2 years later I have five RSL's left. These birds have slowed on laying and since I'm in winter right now (Ohio). I have not gotten many eggs all winter.

 

[BK79]

If a bird dies from old age or even abruptly i.e. from a cold snap, could it be eaten? or is it generally not advised?I'm attached to my birds these are my first hens and they are so kind, and accepting of me. The make ZERO noise even when laying eggs. They are RSL's.

 

[BK79]

When I first ordered chickens I started with 9 RSL. Now 3 and 1/2 years later I have five RSL's left. These birds have slowed on laying and since I'm in winter right now (Ohio). I have not gotten many eggs all winter.

I'm southern ontario. Got mine ready to lay. Hatchery said they were 18-20 weeks of age at the time. This was back in september 2012. They lay everyday even in this cold.

 

[brahmabreeder]

I think 3-4 years, although it will vary hugely from bird to bird. And I also think from climate to climate. Those of us that have a winter, I think our birds age faster than the warmer places.

x2