Quick answers
| Question | Answer | Scope | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How long they live | Up to about 7 years. Hens lay well for roughly the first 2 to 4 of those years. | Hens kept for eggs (Colorado State page) | Colorado State University Extension | |
| Why laying slows | Hens lay fewer eggs as they get older and during the winter months. | Hens, Colorado State page | Colorado State University Extension | |
| What eats chickens | Dogs, snakes, rats, owls and hawks, plus raccoons, mink and fishers. | Backyard flocks, Colorado State page | Colorado State University Extension |
In the sources’ own words
How long they live
Colorado State University Extension, Poultry“Hens are productive egg layers for 2-4 years and have a life expectancy of up to 7 years.”
Scope: Hens kept for eggs (Colorado State page)
Why laying slows
Colorado State University Extension, Poultry“Egg production decreases as they age. Also, expect less eggs during the winter months.”
Scope: Hens, Colorado State page
What eats chickens
Colorado State University Extension, Chickens and Predators“…chickens are also the subject of great interest to everything from domestic dogs to snakes, rats, owls, and hawks.”
“…when raccoons and members of the mink or fisher family are among the predators.”
Scope: Backyard flocks, Colorado State page
What these sources do not say
- How long roosters live. The lifespan figure is written for hens.
- Differences between breeds. None of these pages breaks the lifespan down by breed.