Backyard chicken keepers often wonder: How long do chickens live? Whether you raise hens for eggs, meat, companionship, or all three, understanding their average lifespan can help you make better decisions when it comes to care, nutrition, and environment.

How long do chickens live? Short answer: 5-10 years.

In this article, we’ll break down the average chicken lifespan by breed, discuss what factors affect longevity, and share practical tips for extending your flock’s lives naturally — including the use of beneficial herbs like those in our Nesting Box Herbs for Chickens blend.

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What Is the Average Lifespan of a Chicken?

In general, most chickens live between 5 to 10 years, though some backyard hens have been known to live even longer with proper care.

Chicken Lifespan Depends on Several Factors
BREED
GENETICS
PURPOSE(EGG LAYERS VS. MEAT BIRDS)
LIVING CONDITIONS
PREDATOR PROTECTION
DIET AND NUTRITION
NATURAL HEALTH SUPPORT(LIKE HERBS!)

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Lifespan by Chicken Breed

Some breeds are more genetically inclined to live longer than others. Keep in mind that the better they are cared for, the longer the likely lifespan. Here’s a quick breakdown of popular breeds and their average lifespans:

Longer-Lived Breeds (8–10 years with good care)
SILKIES
ORPINGTONS
EASTER EGGERS
BARRED ROCKS

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Temperament of Longer-Lived Chicken Breeds

• Silkies- Sweet-natured and often pampered
• Orpingtons- Hardy, friendly, and docile
• Easter Eggers- Robust and relatively healthy
• Barred Rocks- Reliable layers and great foragers

Average Lifespan Breeds (5–8 years)
RHODE ISLAND REDS
LEGHORNS
SUSSEX
AUSTRALORPS

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Shorter-Lived Breeds (2–4 years)
ISA BROWNS (HYBRID EGG LAYERS)
CORNISH CROSS (MEAT BIRDS)

Reasons for Short Life-Span

• Hybrid egg layers like ISA Browns- These are bred for maximum early egg production, not longevity.
• Meat birds such as Cornish Cross- 2-3years maximum due to rapid growth and health complications. They are fully grown within 6-10 weeks and typically butchered and processed for food.

🐔 Personal Note: I’ve had Orpingtons live to age 10 and still lay a few eggs a week! On the other hand, my ISA Browns tend to slow down and pass by age 3–4, even with excellent care. Breed really does matter when planning a long-term flock.

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What Affects a Chicken’s Lifespan?

Let’s look into what can shorten or extend your chickens’ lives:

1. Predator Protection
   • Install secure fencing and hardware cloth.
   • Lock coops up at night.
   • Use motion-activated lights or alarms.
2. Clean Living Conditions
   • Regularly clean coops and nesting boxes
   • Keep bedding dry and fresh to prevent respiratory issues and mites.
3. Proper Nutrition
   • Feed a balanced layer feed appropriate for age and breed.
   • Supplement with calcium, grit, and occasional treats like fruits, veggies, and herbs.
4. Stress Reduction
   • Avoid overcrowding.
   • Keep bully hens in check.
   • Offer environmental enrichment like dust-baths, roosts, and HERB BUNDLES.

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Natural Ways to Help Chickens Live Longer

As a longtime chicken mama, I’ve learned that natural wellness practices go a long way in supporting healthy, happy hens. One of my favorite go-to’s? Herbs.

Why Herbs Support Longevity:
BOOSTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
REPEL MITES, LICE AND PESTS
ENCOURAGES CALMNESS AND REDUCES STRESS
IMPROVE RESPIRATORY HEALTH
SUPPORT DIGESTION AND LIVER FUNCTION

I use herbs in several ways around my flock — especially in their nesting boxes, dust bathing areas, and even mixed into feed or infused in water during summer.

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Herbs That Support a Longer, Healthier Chicken Life

Let’s break down some of the key herbs I use in my Nesting Box Herbs for Chickens and how they help support a longer life for your flock.

🌼 Chamomile

• Naturally calming and stress-reducing
• Helps reduce aggression and pecking order stress

🌿 Peppermint

• Cools the body in hot weather
• Supports respiratory health and digestion.

🌸 Lavender

• Known for its calming scent
• Can reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality

🌿 Parsley

• A natural egg booster high in nutrients
• Supports kidney function and blood health

🌼 Marigold (Calendula)

• Anti-inflammatory and skin-supportive
• Adds golden yolk color and boosts immunity

🌱 Fennel Seed

• Supports digestion and egg laying
• Helps reduce gas and bloating

🌿 Rosemary

• Powerful antioxidant
• Supports respiratory health and natural pest control

🌿 Marjoram

• Helps balance hormones and supports reproductive health

🌿 Dandelion Leaf

• Detoxifying and full of essential vitamins
• Supports liver health and improves vitality

🪻 Personal Experience Tip: I sprinkle my Nesting Box Herbs into nesting boxes weekly and rotate a bit into their dust bath areas. My hens are visibly calmer, lay consistently, and I’ve had fewer respiratory or mite issues than I ever did before using herbs.

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How to Use Herbs to Promote Longevity

Here are simple, effective ways to incorporate herbs into your flock care routine:

🪹 In the Nesting Box

• Sprinkle a handful of Nesting Box Herbs weekly
• Helps reduce pests and calm egg-laying hens.

🛁 In the Dust Bath

• Mix dried herbs into sand or soil
• Deters mites and soothes skin

🫖 As a Tea or Infusion

• Steep herbs like chamomile, peppermint, and dandelion in warm water.
• Let it cool and offer as a fresh herbal drink on hot days.

🍽️ Mixed into Treats or Feed

• Add dried herbs to scratch grains or make DIY suet cakes.
• Offers extra nutrition and natural pest repellent benefits.

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Signs Your Chicken Is Aging

As your chickens get older, you may notice:

Signs Your Chicken Is Aging
FEWER EGGS OR NO EGGS AT ALL
DULLER OR LOOSER FEATHERS
SLOWER MOVEMENT OR ARTHRITIC LOOKING WALK
MORE FREQUENT RESTING
PALE COMB OR WATTLE

These signs don’t necessarily mean your hen is sick — just aging. Continue to give her good food, clean space, and loving care. Many older hens enjoy retirement in peace and remain integral to flock dynamics.

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Should You Keep an Older Chicken?

Absolutely! Even if your older hens stop laying, there are many benefits to keeping your older chickens!

BENEFITS OF KEEPING OLDER CHICKENS
HELP TEACH YOUNGER HENS THE ROPES
KEEP FLOCK ORDER STABLE
ARE EXCELLENT BUG HUNTERS AND COMPOST WORKERS
DESERVE A HAPPY RETIREMENT AFTER YEARS OF SERVICE!

With herbal support and attentive care, older hens can thrive for years — and they’ve certainly earned it.

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Final Thoughts: Help Your Chickens Live Their Best (and Longest) Life

So, how long do chickens live? The answer depends on breed, environment, and care — but with the right support, many backyard hens live well into their 8–10-year range.

Incorporating herbs like those found in my Nesting Box Herbs for Chickens is one of the simplest, most natural ways to support your flock’s health and longevity. Whether it’s a sprinkle in the coop or a soothing herbal tea, nature provides what your chickens need to thrive.

🌿 Want to help your hens live a longer, healthier life? Try our Nesting Box Herbs and let your flock experience the power of herbs, naturally.