what is the lifespan of a chicken

A chicken’s lifespan is usually about 5 to 10 years , with many backyard chickens living around 6 to 8 years when they’re well cared for.

What affects it

Breed matters a lot: heritage, bantam, and landrace chickens often live longer, while heavy commercial meat birds usually have shorter lives. Good nutrition, safe housing, and protection from predators can also help chickens reach the upper end of their lifespan range.

Simple rule of thumb

• Backyard hens: about 6 to 8 years.

• Well-kept birds with ideal care: 10 years or more.

• Commercial meat chickens: often much shorter lives.

The lifespan can vary a lot, but for most pet or backyard chickens, around 6 to 8 years is a good expectation.