In raising and keeping chickens, there are always special and loved feathered friends that we want to ensure a long and happy life. They become like family and we often find ourselves curious about their lifespan and eager to know just how many years they will live.

The lifespan of backyard chickens, farm chickens, and wild chickens can vary, a backyard chicken can live longer than a wild and farm chicken.

This article highlights the lifespan of different chicken breeds, which is essential for choosing the right breed for your backyard or flock.

Let’s get started.

Article Summary

• The lifespan of backyard chickens is 5–10 years with care, farm chickens 6–8 weeks for (meat) & 1–2 years for (eggs), and wild chickens endure 3–7 years.
• Several factors that affect and influence the lifespan of chickens include genetics, diet, living conditions, healthcare, stress levels, predator protection, and climate.
• Peanut, the oldest chicken in the world died in 21 years, Guinness World Records declared that Peanut passed away at her home in Michigan, USA.
• The oldest chicken ever recorded was a hen named Muffy, who lived 23 years before she died in 2012. Muffy was a red quill-muff American Game hen, as confirmed by Guinness World Records.

Lifespan of Backyard Chickens

The lifespan of backyard chickens depends on several factors, as genetics plays an important role in the lifespan of chickens, as some chicken breeds are naturally able to live longer than others. 

Further, the quality of care that you provide to your chickens including nutrition, housing conditions, environment, and healthcare, can greatly impact the lifespan of chickens. 

Some other reasons are stress levels, harsh conditions, and exposure to predators, climate change also contributes to determining how long a chicken lives.

By providing them with a safe and comfortable environment, proper nutrition, and regular veterinary care, you can ensure that your feathered friends live for a solid 5 to 10 years or more.

Lifespan of Hybrid Chickens

Hybrid chickens are the result of crossing two or more breeds for desired characteristics and qualities in one chicken.

Hybrid chickens are more susceptible and prone to reproductive issues because they’re bred for high egg production at the cost of their health.

They are fast-growing chickens and are bred for high production rates. The toll of fast growth and high production demands a lot from these chickens which reduces their lifespan.

Hybrid chickens have the shortest lifespan of approximately 3-5 years, but they also live longer or shorter than that. 

Lifespan of Chickens in Captivity

Backyard chickens and chickens in captivity usually refer to the same thing. They are domesticated chickens that are kept by people for purposes like egg/meat production, pest control, or as pets.

The lifespan of backyard chickens in captivity is also from 5 to 10 years with proper and balanced care.

Lifespan of Wild Chickens

The lifespan of wild chickens is, how long chickens would survive if they survived without human care and relied solely on their own.

If they live in the wild without people’s care, their lifespan would likely be quite shorter than in captivity or backyard.

As in the wild, they would face many problems like predator attacks, diseases, and environmental hazards, which could reduce their lifespan.

The lifespan of chickens in the wild is significantly shorter than a backyard or captive chicken, wild chickens survive for around 3–7 years or less.

Lifespan of Chickens in Farms

Chickens raised in farms typically have a lifespan of weeks to years as they are just raised for eggs and meat production. 

They provide food, shelter, and veterinary care to ensure their health and well-being, and once they reach maturity, they are harvested for meat.

On the other hand, chickens that are raised for egg production are kept longer than the meat ones.

Chicken that is raised for meat production can live around 6–8 weeks, and the one which is for egg production they kept for 1—2 years.

How long do Chickens Live as Pets?

As pets chickens get more proper care than other chickens so their lifespan is longer than other chickens.

However, factors like breed, climate, and environmental conditions can positively or negatively affect the lifespan of a pet chicken.

Pets chickens on average live about 10 years, some chickens have been recorded as living into their teens or even twenties with proper care and attention.

How Long Do Chickens Live on Average?

On average chickens live between 5–10 years, with a balanced diet, a safe environment, and overall health care.

The lifespan of backyard chickens is also 5–10 years with proper care, a safe environment, and proper attention.

Farm chickens raised for meat live 6–8 weeks, while one kept for egg production can live 1–2 years and wild chickens generally live between 3–7 years, as they face harsh conditions.

Lifespan also depends on various factors such as breed, climate, environmental conditions, and overall health.

Chickens that Have Longer Lifespan

Here are some types of chickens that have relatively longer lifespans:

• Heritage Chickens

Heritage breeds originate from parent and grandparent stock officially recognized by the APA before the mid-20th century. 

All new and modern chicken breeds have been created from heritage breeds. Some common heritage breeds are Australorps and Rhode Island Reds.

Heritage chicken breeds are slow-growth birds, hardy, good foragers, and perfect for backyard conditions.

They also have longer lifespans than most other chicken breeds, and they can live for 6-12 years.

• Dual-purpose Chickens

Dual-purpose chicken breeds can be heritage or hybrid and are valued for both meat and egg production.

Dual-purpose breed chickens grow normally and mature more gradually compared to production hybrid breeds.

The average lifespan of a dual-purpose chicken is normally around 6 to 8 years, which is a good lifespan.

Examples of dual-purpose hybrid chicken breeds include Black Stars, Austra Whites, and Sapphire Gems.

• Landrace chickens

Landrace chickens are domestic breeds adapted to specific regions and have unique traits like disease resistance and foraging skills. 

Landrace chicken breeds also have the longest natural lifespan, they can live over 10 years with proper care.

Examples of landrace chicken breeds include Icelandic chickens, Hedemoras, Swedish Black Hens, and Swedish Flower Hens.

Chickens are known for their relatively long lifespans:

Name	Lifespan
Old English Game Fowl Chickens	15 years or more
Plymouth Rock	10—12 years
Wyandotte Chickens	6—12 years
Orpington Chickens	8—10 years
Cochin Chickens	8—10 years
Jersey Giants	7—10 years
Australorp	6—10 years
Silkie Chickens	8—9 years
Easter Eggers Chickens	5—8 years
Rhode Island Red Chickens	5—8 years
Bantam Chickens	4—8 years
Cornish Cross	5—8 years

Chickens that Have Shorter Lifespan

• Hybrid Chickens

Hybrid chickens grow fast and are bred for high productivity. However, the fast growth rate and high production can take a toll on a hen’s body, shortening its natural lifespan.

Hybrid chicken breeds typically have a lifespan of 3-5 years. The shortest among domestic poultry, due to increased strain on their bodies.

Examples of hybrid chicken breeds include Isa Brown and Cornish Rocks.Chickens that are known for their short lifespans:

Name	Lifespan
White Broilers	5—7 years (harvested at 5—7 weeks)
Isa Browns	2—3 years
Golden Comets	4—5 years
Leghorn	4—6 years

Chicken Lifespan and Chicken Productivity

Chicken lifespan and productivity are different; a chicken may have a long lifespan but a short productive lifespan.

A chicken’s productive lifespan is when it lays the most eggs, for many chicken breeds, this lasts about 2 to 3 years.

Dual-purpose and heritage chicken breeds have a longer productivity lifespan. However, they don’t lay as many eggs as frequently as production breeds during this time.

Do Hens Live Longer Than Roosters?

Yes, hens live longer than roosters even if they are the same breed or by the same parents.

Reasons that shorten the rooster’s lifespan

1. Roosters are noisy and are typically cull in suburban areas where their crowing can disturb neighbors.
2. Predators often target roosters due to their flashy appearance and their crucial role in protecting the flock.
3. Hens can coexist and roosters tend to fight, especially when outnumbered by hens. To prevent serious fights, many owners choose to butcher and separate them.

Factors Influencing the Lifespan of Backyard Chickens

Here are some reasons that affect the lifespan of chickens:

• Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is important for maintaining a chicken’s health and longevity. Poor nutrition can lead to health problems and a shorter lifespan.

• Genetics

Genetic factors play a significant role in determining a chicken’s lifespan. Birds with strong genetic backgrounds tend to live longer and healthier lives.

• Stress Level

Stressful conditions, such as overcrowding, excessive noise, or aggression from other chickens or humans, can negatively impact a chicken’s health and shorten its lifespan.

• Healthcare

Regular veterinary care, checking for signs of illness, vaccinations, and parasite control are important for ensuring a chicken’s well-being and extending its lifespan.

• Gender

The gender of chickens also contributes to their lifespan like hens live longer than roosters as roosters face many harsh conditions.

• Overall Caring

Proper caring of chickens can increase their longevity and productivity and not proper caring can affect their lifespan.

• Living Conditions

The quality of a chicken’s living environment greatly impacts its lifespan. A safe and clean coop with proper ventilation and protection from predators promotes good health and longevity.

• Breeds

Different chicken breeds have different lifespans, some breeds live for many years longevity, while others have shorter lifespans.

• Predator Attacks and Accidents

Protection from predators and accidents is vital for keeping chickens safe to help minimize risks and contribute to a longer lifespan.

• Climate Changing

Extreme temperatures and weather conditions like heat stress and frostbite can affect chickens’ health and survival. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, a backyard chicken lifespan or chicken in captivity can live for 5 to 10 years with proper care, a balanced diet, and a comfortable environment.

Genes and breed are two factors that play a crucial role in the chicken’s lifespan and productivity.

Heritage chickens, dual-purpose breeds, and landrace chickens generally have longer lifespans than hybrid chickens.

Have you ever raised the longest-lifespan chicken? Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and concerns with us. We are here to assist you.

 

FAQs – Lifespan of Backyard Chickens

How long do chickens live on average?

On average, chickens live between 5 to 10 years. With ideal care and protection from predators, some chickens can live as long as 10-15 years.

How long do chickens live as pets?

Pets chickens on average live about 10 years, some chickens live for even around 20 years with proper care and attention.

What to do with old laying hens?

This depends on you and the situation. You can retire them from production and keep them as pets. So they live their remaining life comfortably without responsibilities. You can also butcher them for meat or just leave them to contribute to your flock.

How long do chickens live in the wild?

The lifespan of backyard chickens in the wild is significantly shorter than a backyard or captive chicken. Wild chickens survive for around 3–7 years or less, as they survive without human care and face many problems.

What is the average lifespan of a chicken?

On average chickens live between 5–10 years, with a balanced diet, a safe environment, and proper health care.

How long do chickens lay eggs?

Chickens generally begin laying eggs at 5 to 6 months of age and peak egg production occurs in the first 2-3 years.