Pearl is the world's oldest chicken. She has grown up with Sonia Hal in Texas, US, and is now 14 years and 69 days old. Pearl was recently entered in Guinness World Records as the world's oldest chicken. According to the report, the record was previously held by Peanut, a 21-year-old from Michigan.

On 13 March 2011 Sonia hatched a chick in her personal incubator and named it Pearl. Since then Pearl has been a beloved member of the Hal family of Little Elm, Texas. Fourteen years have passed, and many storms have blown over her.

Pearl overcame a broken leg, a raccoon attack, arthritis and chicken pox ("yes, chickens get chicken pox too," Sonia says) and earned the title on 22 May, when she was 14 years and 69 days old.

A chicken usually lives three to ten years, but Pearl has passed more than a dozen. When young she lived outside in a coop with other chickens. As old age slowed her down, Sonia made a space for her in their laundry room so she could live out her days in peace.

She loves going outside every day and basking in the sun. But the report says Texas weather is too cold for the elderly Pearl, so she starts to pant if she stays out too long.

Because of her age she cannot walk very well. But she can run a little with a hop, and tries to stretch her arthritic legs and claws.

Pearl eats fresh spinach and lettuce, fruit and nuts every day, and loves watching TV. Her friend now is her roommate, a cat, with whom she gets on well. Because of her age she now lays very few eggs. Pearl is still growing up like a member of Sonia's family, and they will live happily together for as long as she lives.

The report cites Guinness World Records as its source.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.