'My sweet Peanut': World's oldest chicken dies at 21 leaving Michigan owner 'heartbroken' and 'grieving'

CHELSEA, MICHIGAN: Peanut, the world's oldest chicken, has died in Michigan on New Year's Eve, leaving the owner in whose arms the bird died, "heartbroken" and grieving her loss. 

“I’m truly grieving her loss,” Marsi Parker Darwin told FOX, adding “She was a remarkable little bird and has left a void in our home and our hearts.” 

The one thing that has been comforting on Peanut's loss is Peanut passed "very peacefully" for which Darwin is grateful. 

Peanut died on Christmas Eve relaxing her neck into Parker Darwin's bed

Darwin, who recently shared an obituary, detailed how Peanut whom she cared for 21-and-a-half years, died peacefully in her arms on Christmas Eve.

"I’ve dreaded sharing this news. My sweet Peanut, the chicken, perished Christmas morning," she wrote.

"I spent the night of the 23rd holding Peanut, and on Christmas Eve, exhausted, I took her to bed with me, wrapped in a soft blanket, and held her close to my chest. I could feel her little head resting on my shoulder as she had done for years, and around 5 am her neck relaxed into mine, and I knew she had died peacefully in her sleep, her final gift to me," Parker added.

Marsi Parker Darwin raised Peanut from an egg

Peanut was "a close family member" for Darwin who boned  21-and-a-half years ago, when, "I peeled her out of an egg, and although I realize she had a phenomenally long life for a chicken, I’m heartbroken nonetheless."

Darwin a retired librarian said Peanut took us on a "wild ride this past year and a half, garnering worldwide attention" after her Guinness title, World’s Oldest Living Chicken at the age of 20.

Following the recognition, Darwin has shared her story on numerous television and newspaper interviews and she was also inspired to share her and Peanut's story in a picture book, 'My Girl Peanut and Me'

Parker Darwin made sure Peanut had a healthy and long life 

Peanut was a bantam breed of chicken, a Belgian d’Uccle/Nankin mix. To ensure Peanut was healthy and lived a long life, Darwin would provide the hen with plenty of exercise and a nutritious diet.

Peanut's yogurt was mixed with crushed vitamin D tablets and was given fresh fruit and vegetables as treats – all of which helped Peanut maintain good health.

The was also a friendly bird who enjoyed sitting on her owner's shoulder. She according to Darwin's account would also nibble on Darwin's ear and even respond when she was called by her name. 

Peanut's hutch has been dismantled but her feathers now and then bring tears to her eyes 

"Right now a cloud hangs over Darwin’s Eden. I’ve dismantled her hutch on the window seat, and each time I find a feather as I clean around her area, it brings me to tears. 

"Even with two corgis, a cat, and three parrots, the house feels strangely quiet and empty. I know brighter days will come in time. But she will be forever missed," Darwin wrote. 

Darwin said she has received messages of comfort from all over, and it’s been gratifying to her, knowing there are so many kind people in the world. 

"I’ve heard quite a few mean comments online this past week, as well, so of course, it’s depressing to realize there are also plenty of insensitive jerks," she added.

"But as Peanut would do, I choose to dwell on the hope in the world," she continued.