If you keep backyard chickens, or you are thinking about it, one of the first questions that comes to mind is a simple one: how long do chickens live? The short answer is that most chickens live between 5 and 10 years, but the real answer depends on a handful of factors, from breed and genetics to diet, housing, and everyday care For many keepers, chickens are far more than egg producers They are pets with names and personalities, which makes their lifespan something worth understanding Here is what shapes how long a chicken lives, how long hens keep