Peanut, the world's oldest living chicken, has lived to be over 21 years old, far surpassing the average lifespan of a chicken.
The hen – residing on a farm in Chelsea, Michigan— has recently achieved a milestone that defies the odds – she turned 21 years old, making her the world's oldest living chicken.
She was recorded as being at least 20 years and 304 days old as of March 1, 2023. Peanut's age was verified by her vet, Dr Julia Parker.
It's also interesting to note that Peanut's record-setting achievement was the result of a friend's encouragement to apply for the Guinness World Records title for the oldest living chicken.
Marsi Parker Darwin and her husband Bill, the caregivers of Peanut, have created a nurturing environment on their farm, which is home to not only dogs and cats but also a diverse range of birds, including chickens, peacocks, and ducks.
"I heard a second chirp, and I realized that the chick was alive and didn't seem to have an egg tooth to get out of its shell," Marsi Parker Darwin recalled.
Faced with this unexpected situation, she decided to give the little chick a helping hand, gently peeling her from the egg.
"I gently peeled her out of the egg, and there was this wet little mess, sitting in my hand," Darwin added.
Peanut's age is an extraordinary accomplishment given that the average chicken typically lives for just five to eight years.
Peanut's daily routine now includes responding to her name, relishing blueberry yogurt, and even enjoying a cozy ride in Marsi's coat pocket during her chores.
