A pet chicken from Texas has been officially recognized as the oldest living chicken in the world, according to Guinness World Records. The chicken, named Pearl, is celebrated for reaching the remarkable age of 14 years and 69 days. Her owner, Sonya Hull, from Little Elm, Texas, hatched Pearl on March 13, 2011, using a personal incubator.
Guinness confirmed Pearl’s age on May 22, 2023, granting her the prestigious title. Hull expressed her pride, noting that Pearl has “defied all odds,” as most Easter-Egger Hens typically live only five to eight years. Currently, Pearl’s mobility is limited, and she spends most of her time in the family laundry room. Hull mentioned, “She is welcome to come out into the living room, because she likes to watch TV when she hears it on.”
Pearl has formed a bond with the family’s pets, including an elderly cat and a new kitten. Hull added, “She doesn’t seem to mind the other animals, and the kitten will sometimes sit with her.” Although Pearl’s egg production has slowed down, she surprisingly laid an egg shortly after learning about her Guinness World Record achievement.
This new record follows the passing of the previous oldest chicken, named Peanut, who lived in Illinois and died on December 25, 2023, at the age of 21 years and 238 days. Pearl’s story highlights not only the longevity of the species but also the close relationships that can form between humans and their pets.