What is the Average life span?

[Johnn]

Hi, i have 11 chickens 3 of which are quite old (i think) i have a cockerel which is 9 this year and i have 2 ex batts who are 7 in May, how much longer do yous think i will have them? also if they were to die now, have they lived to a good age?

 

[Angiebubs]

I beleive the average life span is about 5-8 yrs old (roosters a little longer). However there are many factors that go into this such as:
pure breds live shorted lifespans than mixed breeds; heavier breeds live shorter lives than light weight breeds; and there have been reports of chickens living to 22 yrs old!

 

[Rachy]

I had a white Silkie cockerel, when I was a child. He lived to the grand old age of 15