Settie Posted April 25, 2012 Share Posted April 25, 2012 I have had my ex-batts for four years and two of them have died suddenly in the last fortnight. The first to die didn't seem ill or out of sorts at all. The one I found dead tonight wasn't herself when I let them out this morning but I wasn't too concerned. The other two ex-batts and all the others seeem fine. What is the lifespan of ex batts? I don't know how old they were when we got them four years ago but I suspect not old as I don't think batteries ever kept them for long, did they? Are the other two likely to die soon too? Should I be worried about the others? RIP Marge and Bonnie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted April 25, 2012 Share Posted April 25, 2012 Sorry to hear this. I suspect that they would have been about a year old when you got them, so they would be 5 now, this is a good age for a hybrid laying hen. I have one of my original hybrids and she is now over 5 years old and still lays the odd egg in the spring. You must be doing something right because it is unusual for a hybrid to live for more than 3 years or so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted April 25, 2012 Share Posted April 25, 2012 That is a phenomenal age for an ex batt... The longest I've had one cage free is 2 days short of two years. They are about 18 months old when they are released. Most hybrids live 3-5 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted April 25, 2012 Share Posted April 25, 2012 Settie, what a fabulous poultry keeper you are 5yrs is a great age for ex batties, & I bet they've had a great life with you. Celebrate the fact you've had them so long Alli x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 Settie, what a fabulous poultry keeper you are 5yrs is a great age for ex batties, & I bet they've had a great life with you. Celebrate the fact you've had them so long Alli x definitely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scubababe Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 What a wonderful life you gave them. You should be celebrating the YEARS of freedom that you gave them. Well done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
