In a somber announcement, Guinness World Records shares the news of Peanut, the world’s oldest chicken, who breathed her last on Christmas Day at the age of at least 21 years and 238 days. Owned by Marsi Darwin in Michigan, USA, Peanut’s remarkable life spanned over two decades.
Marsi expressed her grief in a blog post, stating, “Peanut was a close family member, and I’m grieving her loss.” The bond between owner and hen was formed 21 and a half years ago when Peanut was hatched from an egg, rescued after being abandoned by her mother.
Initially residing in a parrot cage in Marsi’s dining room for the first two years, Peanut later joined an outdoor coop with the rest of Marsi’s flock. Over the years, Peanut hatched multiple nests of eggs, leaving behind a legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren within Marsi’s coop.
In her old age, Peanut returned inside the house, sharing a cage with her daughter, Millie, who sadly passed away on Halloween at the age of 15. Luna, one of Peanut’s old friends, and her rooster mate, Benny, also departed in the weeks that followed.
Marsi believes that Peanut, grieving the loss of her companions and succumbing to old age, simply “checked out.” Despite the challenges, Peanut’s life was marked by numerous highlights, including media attention that captured her spirit and antics.
“Peanut’s spirit and antics delighted viewers online and in the media. She was an incredible little bird,” reminisces Marsi about the beloved world record holder.