Unsecure chicken perches

[Settie]

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

[chickencam]

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.

[Space Chick]

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.

[sparkysmum]

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

[sandyhas3chucks]

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

[scubababe]

What a wonderful life you gave them. You should be celebrating the YEARS of freedom that you gave them. Well done