It varies quite a bit. Standard breeds, in my experience, live an average of 6-8 years, but certainly 10 and over is not unusual.
Bantams, ornamentals, and game-type breeds are longer-lived. Most my bantams seem to live anywhere from 9-14 years old. I have a 14-year-old hen right now who is completely healthy and happy. I had quite a few hens who made it up to the 12-13 range but then they gradually died one by one.
I have heard stories of chickens living to be 20-25 years old, but nothing I can verify or trust the sources of. Very rarely, I'll bet there are chickens who live into their 20s. That said, I think those birds are the exception rather than the rule--similar to 110+ year old people.
Bantams, ornamentals, and game-type breeds are longer-lived. Most my bantams seem to live anywhere from 9-14 years old. I have a 14-year-old hen right now who is completely healthy and happy. I had quite a few hens who made it up to the 12-13 range but then they gradually died one by one.
I have heard stories of chickens living to be 20-25 years old, but nothing I can verify or trust the sources of. Very rarely, I'll bet there are chickens who live into their 20s. That said, I think those birds are the exception rather than the rule--similar to 110+ year old people.
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