A chicken named Peanut has a lifespan that far exceeds the average of a typical chicken.
Normally, chickens have an average lifespan of 5 to 8 years, but Peanut is a rare exception. This hen, from a no-kill farm in Michigan, USA, is currently the oldest chicken in the world, boasting an impressive age of 21 years and 156 days and still counting.
Peanut the chicken has lived for over 21 years. (Photo: MR).
On January 28, Peanut was officially awarded the title of oldest chicken in the world by the Guinness World Records after reaching the milestone of 20 years and 272 days.
Interestingly, Peanut almost lost her life right after hatching.
Marsi Parker Darwin, Peanut’s owner, shared that Peanut was stuck in rotten eggs when she was preparing to toss them into a pond to feed the turtles.
However, she suddenly heard a weak chirp, and the chicken gently broke free from its shell. She placed the newly hatched chick under a heater and taught it how to eat.
On January 28, Peanut was officially recognized as the oldest chicken in the world by Guinness World Records. (Photo: MR).
Peanut was initially quite small, only one-third the size of other chickens on the farm. For this reason, Mrs. Darwin did not think she would survive with the flock. The name “Peanut” was given to her because of her small size.
However, Mrs. Darwin’s family never imagined that the tiny chick would live with them for over two decades. Now, she is a part of the family, and they even celebrated Peanut’s 21st birthday in May.
To this day, Peanut seems to be healthy and more energetic than ever. She is described as having a friendly personality and getting along well with everyone around her, including dogs and cats.
At 21, Peanut mostly spends her days sleeping and eating. Her favorite breakfast includes yogurt and a grape. “Peanut loves to sit in my lap and watch TV,” Mrs. Darwin said. “I think she enjoys the warmth when she snuggles up to me.”
Mrs. Darwin takes a photo with Peanut. (Photo: MR).
Darwin mentioned that a friend encouraged her to apply for the title for Peanut in 2022. However, proving a chicken’s age is not simple, as its size and appearance do not change much compared to an adult chicken.
To accomplish this, Mrs. Darwin had to rely on some old family photographs. “I have some old pictures of friends, my niece, and nephew with Peanut from many years ago. This is our best evidence,” she shared.
Peanut’s life has greatly inspired Mrs. Darwin, leading her to self-publish a children’s book about the love between her and the chicken.
Peanut is on the path to challenging the title of the oldest chicken in history. This record currently belongs to another American chicken named Muffy, who lived for 23 years and 152 days, a milestone achieved when she passed away in 2011.
