I usually keep my hens until they stop laying completely but does anyone know just how long a hen will actually live to?

We had 3 rhode island reds that lived to about 3 and a half - 4 years and a bantam that lived until she was about 12 She didn't lay eggs every day so wasn't quite as worn out.

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As per the last post it all depends on their history, breed, upbringing, laying life etc. They can live up to 10 years but if they are ex bats they may not last longer than a couple of weeks out of their cages.
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I started with 4 x 18 month old Lohmans from an egg farmer in February 2008. They were kept in a barn. One died within a year, the other three are still going strong.

I have had several breeds live to 9, but most chickens seem to live to about 6.

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I've lost hens at 3 years and 4+ years. My current oldest is a light sussex she's coiming up for 2 and still laying everyday without fail.

I was still getting a couple of eggs a week from them. The older one seemed to lay longer but typically didn't lay during winter whereas the 3 year old goldline layed every day without fail slowing right down just before she died.