www.vintagewatchesmart.com Chickens are known for being either farm or domestic birds. The usual lifespan of a chicken is between 10 to 15 years. Male chickens (known as a cockerel or a rooster) has significantly brighter and more colourful plumage and are much larger in size than females. This brightly coloured plumage is a common feature within most birds. Males birds tend to show off their colorful plumage (feathers) to attract females.