Matilda (chicken) facts for kids
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| Hatched | 1990 |
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| Died | February 11, 2006 |
| Known for | World's oldest chicken |
| Owner | Keith and Donna Barton |
Matilda (1990 – February 11, 2006) was a small chicken, weighing about 14 ounces (400 grams). She became famous as the first chicken to be named the World's Oldest Living Chicken by Guinness World Records. Matilda was a type of bantam hen, thought to be related to the Red Pyle color of the Old English Game breed. She was a beloved pet of Keith and Donna Barton, who lived in Bessemer, Alabama.
Matilda got her name from the old Australian folk song "Waltzing Matilda". She would often step side to side against her cage, as if she were waltzing. Unlike most hens, Matilda never laid eggs. Her vets believed this might have helped her live an incredibly long life of sixteen years. Living indoors in a safe, stable environment also helped her stay healthy for so long.
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Matilda's Magic Show Career
On October 19, 1990, Keith and Donna bought Matilda for $10 at the Alabama State Fairgrounds. At the time, Keith and Donna were working to become professional magicians. Matilda was a key part of their plan.
Matilda made her first stage appearance on June 5, 1991. In their magic show, Keith would make Matilda magically appear. He would show two empty cardboard tubes, then nest them together. After cracking an egg into an empty pan and adding a few drops of hot sauce, Keith would put the lid on the pan. When he lifted the lid, Matilda would appear! She performed in their magic shows for over ten years.
Becoming a Celebrity Chicken
World's Oldest Living Chicken
Most chickens live for about seven to eight years. So, when Matilda was eleven years old and still healthy, Keith and Donna contacted Guinness World Records in 2001. They wanted Guinness to know about Matilda's amazing age.
Guinness World Records asked for proof of Matilda's age. Keith and Donna gathered all the necessary papers and sent them in. On April 27, 2004, Guinness World Records officially declared fourteen-year-old Matilda the World's Oldest Living Chicken! Keith and Donna received a special letter and certificate. Matilda's title is recorded in Guinness World Records' data, but it hasn't been printed in their books or on their website.
Appearing on The Tonight Show
Because she was named the World's Oldest Living Chicken, Matilda, Keith, and Donna were invited to be guests on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The show was filmed and aired on September 9, 2004.
Matilda was used to being on stage, so she was very comfortable in front of the TV audience. Everyone loved watching her. She strutted on Jay Leno's desk, ate breadcrumbs, played with her favorite toy, and even did a funny impression of the NBC peacock!
Matilda: An Ambassador of Good Will
After her TV appearance, Matilda used her fame to help others. She became an ambassador of good will, attending many charity events in Birmingham, Alabama. These events included:
- Blessing of the Animals at St. Martin's in the Pines (2004 and 2005)
- Tails and Art Benefit for the Alabama Animal Foundation (2004)
- Wet Nose Ball for TEARS (The Emergency Animal Rescue Service) (2005)
- Picasso Pets for Hand-in-Paw (2005)
Olivia Bearden Award
On September 22, 2005, the Greater Birmingham Humane Society gave Matilda the Olivia Bearden Award. This award honors an animal for its special service to another living creature, whether a person or another animal. Matilda magically appeared to accept her award, proudly sitting on the plaque as Keith held it.
Matilda's Final Years
Due to health problems that come with old age, Matilda retired from show business on October 17, 2005. She passed away on February 11, 2006, at the age of sixteen. From the time she received her Guinness World Record title, Matilda lived for another year, nine months, and fifteen days.
Matilda's Resting Place
Finding a final resting place for Matilda has been a challenge. Keith and Donna want her to be buried in a special place in Alabama, but they haven't found one yet. They are considering Hartsdale Pet Cemetery in Hartsdale, New York. Until a decision is made, Matilda is being kept safely frozen.
Honoring Matilda
Broken Perch Ceremony
To honor Matilda's contributions to the world of magic, a special "Broken Perch Ceremony" was held on August 5, 2006. This ceremony took place in Birmingham, Alabama, and was hosted by the Southeastern Association of Magicians and Ring 35 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
The "Broken Perch Ceremony" was inspired by the "Broken Wand Ceremony," which was first performed for Harry Houdini in 1926. Matilda's ceremony was the first time a magician's animal had ever been formally honored by the magic community. During the ceremony, Keith and Donna received a special commendation from Alabama Governor Bob Riley, recognizing Matilda's many achievements.
Alabama Animal Hall of Fame
On September 9, 2006, the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association welcomed Matilda into the Alabama Animal Hall of Fame. This special dinner ceremony was held in Montgomery, Alabama. It was exactly two years to the day that Matilda had appeared on The Tonight Show. Two dogs, Gucci and Muffin, were also inducted into the Hall of Fame that night.
