The backyard chicken movement has grown rapidly but many keepers underestimate the welfare needs of hens in their care.
Backyard chickens kept in inadequate space develop feather pecking, aggression, and stress behaviors. Chickens denied dust bathing develop skin conditions. Males hatched from backyard breeding programs are frequently abandoned at shelters or killed. Inadequate predator protection leads to traumatic attacks. Even well-intentioned keepers benefit from education about chicken welfare needs.