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In most small backyard flocks, about how long do chickens live?

About 8 years, and some live 12 to 15 years.

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  1. About 2 years
  2. About 8 years ✔
  3. About 30 years

Why: Penn State Extension says chickens in most small flocks live about 8 years, and some reach 12 to 15. That is a long commitment for a backyard bird.

Huh, didn't know that: Texas A&M vets call chickens a long-term commitment for exactly this reason.

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References

Answer: About 8 years. Penn State Extension says chickens in most small flocks live about 8 years, and some reach 12 to 15. That is a long commitment for a backyard bird.

  1. Penn State Extension: Successfully Raising a Small Flock of Laying Chickens extension.psu.edu/successfully-raising-a-small-flock-of-laying-chickens
    Chickens in most small flocks live 8 years, but they can live up to 12 to 15 years.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. Texas A&M Vet Med: Backyard Chickens, A Compre-hen-sive Guide vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/backyard-chickens-a-compre-hen-sive-guide
    chickens can live up to 8 years and, therefore, are a long-term commitment.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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