Chickens can live a very long time,Usually around 12-15 years, I know many chickens that are over 18 yrs old. What most people think of is the Laying capabilities of chickens, which is only around 5 yrs, but can be longer. Most people feel chickens are useless once they stop layuing eggs, so they kill them, or have them for dinner. Myself however, will have mine live their lives out here. Hope this helps.