Lifespan of a Rooster

If you are considering raising chickens from start to finish, it is helpful to understand the proper care techniques and the life expectancy of your birds. Many people enjoy raising chickens for eggs. Other reasons people enjoy raising chickens is to provide pesticide-free food options, and also as a source of fertilizer for the garden.

  1. Life Expectancy

    • Roosters have basically the same life expectancy as their female counterparts. Several things can affect the life expectancy of your rooster including environment, predators, disease and number of roosters in your flock. However, generally speaking, they will live from five to seven years, and in rare cases will live to be as old as 20. Extending these numbers requires careful monitoring of their environment and food and providing adequate shelter. Your physical location will determine many of the steps you should take, as geography can impact available insects, predators and climate.

    Predators

    • In order for your chickens to reach the upper range of their life expectancy, it is important that you understand how to protect them from predators. If you live in a more urban area, your biggest threat will likely come from dogs, both yours and the neighbors'. Other predators you will need to prepare for include skunks, red-tailed hawks, raccoons and coyotes, just to name a few. Proper shelter is the best defense against most of these predators.

    Living Environment

    • Chickens that are kept in crowded and unsanitary conditions are going to be more vulnerable to disease and death. A proper chicken coop should provide 2 to 3 square feet per chicken, while the outdoor chicken run should provide 4 to 5 square feet of space per bird. If you are including a brooding area for young chicks, remember to provide a heat source and to monitor it with an easy-to-read thermometer. Baby chicks need to be kept in 90-to-100-degree temperatures in the first week of life, decreasing slowly (about 5 degrees each week thereafter) for the first 60 days.

    Nutrition

    • Chickens need a varied diet. In many cases, commercially purchased chicken feed, or "scratch" as it is commonly called, is the staple diet. Allowing your birds outdoor time will provide them with ample opportunity to get added protein from eating bugs and larvae found just under the dirt surface. In addition to commercial foods, you can also provide chickens with treats such as vegetables, bread and even bugs you have purchased. If you are in doubt, consult your veterinarian or local feed store for more advice on proper nutrition based on the type of chickens you raise and your geographical location.