Meet Peanut, a 21-year-old bantam hen from Waterloo, Michigan. Recently dubbed the world’s oldest living chicken by Guinness World Records, Peanut has shattered all norms surrounding avian longevity. In a world where the average chicken lives only 5 to 10 years, Peanut’s journey is not just fascinating but also scientifically intriguing.
A Chick with Grit
Peanut’s life started on rocky ground. Abandoned in a frozen egg by her mother, she was minutes away from being a meal for a hungry fox. However, a chirp for help made Marsi Parker Darwin, the owner of Darwin’s Eden Farm, reconsider the decision to discard the seemingly lifeless egg.
Marsi carefully broke the shell and gave Peanut her first taste of life, one she wasn’t willing to give up so easily.
A Bird With Identity
Most chickens live an ordinary life, but not Peanut. From the beginning, she exhibited an unconventional personality. She relished human company, often perching on Marsi’s arm or sitting quietly in her pocket.
According to Marsi, Peanut never saw herself as a ‘normal’ chicken but rather as an individual deserving of a place on Darwin’s Eden, a farm that serves as a sanctuary for various animals.
Peanut’s Secret to Being the World’s Oldest Chicken
The question that puzzles many is, how did Peanut manage to live this long? Marsi credits a well-rounded diet and specialized care for her animals. However, even she believes there must be an unknown ‘x-factor’ that has contributed to Peanut’s record-breaking longevity.
Documenting a Lifetime: Photography as Proof
To establish Peanut’s age and hence claim her title, Marsi had to provide proof. Thanks to a well-documented life in pictures, Marsi could substantiate Peanut’s age. Each photograph captured was not just a moment frozen in time but an irrefutable piece of evidence that showcased Peanut’s extraordinary lifespan.
Peanut’s story isn’t confined to Darwin’s Eden. She’s been immortalized in a children’s book, penned by none other than Marsi herself. The book goes beyond narrating Peanut’s unique life; it also serves as a moral lesson, encouraging kids to overcome obstacles and never lose hope, much like Peanut did when she chirped for her life.
Will She Build the Oldest Chicken Ever?
As Peanut enjoys her twilight years, the world is watching to see if she’ll break the record for the oldest chicken ever, currently held by a 23-year-old hen named Muffy. While age may be catching up with her, Peanut’s story serves as a testament to resilience, the power of care, and the miraculous outcomes that can arise from unexpected beginnings.
Source: “Meet Peanut, a 21-year–old chicken and world record holder” — NPR
