Backyard Chicken Keeping: Welfare Guidance for Small Flocks

Keeping backyard chickens is growing in popularity. This page provides evidence-based welfare guidance for small flock owners.

Key Facts

Backyard chicken keeping has grown significantly in urban and suburban areas across the US, UK, and Australia
Chickens are social animals that need a minimum flock of three to avoid loneliness
Hens naturally stop laying at around 5-7 years but can live to 10 or more years
Common health problems include respiratory disease, mites and lice, egg binding, and predation
Many chicken keepers are unprepared for the veterinary costs and long-term commitment involved

Welfare Considerations

Backyard chicken keeping can provide good welfare for a small number of hens, but frequently falls short in practice. Common failures include: keeping too few birds (leading to aggression in unbalanced groups), inadequate predator protection, failure to provide veterinary care (many vets do not see poultry), and being unprepared for what to do with hens that stop laying. Chickens require a safe, weatherproof coop, appropriate space, access to the outdoors for scratching and dust bathing, clean water and appropriate feed, and protection from predators at night. The welfare of individually kept chickens depends entirely on owner knowledge and commitment.

What You Can Do

Research chicken welfare requirements thoroughly before acquiring any birds
Ensure you have access to a vet experienced with poultry before getting chickens
Plan for the lifetime care of hens including after egg-laying ceases
Build or purchase a predator-proof coop appropriate for your local wildlife pressures
Join local chicken keeping communities to learn from experienced keepers