Companion Animals

Backyard Chicken Welfare and Urban Poultry

Urban backyard chicken keeping is growing rapidly but many keepers underestimate the complex welfare needs of chickens, leading to preventable suffering.

Key Facts

Chickens are the most numerous birds on Earth at approximately 25 billion
Backyard flocks often lack adequate veterinary care since few vets treat poultry
Hens in small backyard coops may have no safe retreat from dominant flock members
Cockerels hatched from backyard eggs are typically killed as they cannot lay

Welfare Considerations

Chickens are cognitively and socially complex animals that require veterinary care, predator protection, social space, and enrichment. Many backyard keepers treat chickens as low-maintenance and are unprepared for health crises or social dynamics. The surplus male chick problem means backyard chicken keeping contributes indirectly to rooster killing.

What You Can Do

Thoroughly research chicken welfare needs before acquiring a flock
Build adequate predator-proof housing with sufficient space
Establish a relationship with a veterinarian who treats poultry
Adopt rescue hens from commercial farms rather than buying from hatcheries