How Long Can ‘Farmed Animals’ Live For?

Sheep (bred for meat)

Lambs are slaughtered for their meat at 6 to 8 months old, but sheep who are cared for typically live for 10 to 12 years, and some have even lived to be 20 years old.

Sheep (bred for wool and meat)

Sheep in the wool industry are slaughtered at 5 to 6 years old, but sheep who are cared for typically live for 10 to 12 years, and some have even lived to be 20 years old.

Ducks

Ducks are slaughtered at 7-8 weeks old, but can naturally live to be 6 to 8 years old.

Chickens (bred for meat)

Chickens bred for meat, or broiler chickens, are slaughtered at 5-7 weeks old, but can naturally live to be up to 8 years old.

These chickens unfortunately often lead short lives, as they have been selectively bred so their bodies become so large they cannot endure life in them for very long.

Chickens (bred for eggs)

Chickens bred for their eggs are slaughtered at 18 months old, but can naturally live to be up to 8 years old.

Cows (bred for meat)

Cows bred for their flesh are slaughtered at 18 months old, but can naturally live to be up to 15 to 20 years old.

Cows (bred for dairy)

Cows bred for their milk are slaughtered at 4 to 7 years old, but can naturally live to be up to 15 to 20 years old.

Pigs

Pigs bred for their meat are slaughtered at 5 to 6 months old, and breeding sows are slaughtered at 3 to 5 years old, but they can naturally live to be 10 to 12 years old.

Animals deserve to live out the entirety of their lives, free from harm – and that’s exactly how they live at Liberation Sanctuary.