Backyard chickens and ducks have grown enormously in popularity. Meeting their welfare needs requires understanding that they are sentient animals with complex social, environmental, and health requirements.
Backyard poultry welfare suffers from the assumption that chickens are simple, low-needs animals. In reality, hens are sentient animals with strong behavioural motivations including dust bathing, perching, nesting, and foraging that must be accommodated for good welfare. Red mite is a persistent parasite that causes chronic stress, anaemia, and reduced egg production; regular housing inspection and treatment are essential. Predator protection from foxes, raptors, and badgers requires secure housing. End-of-life planning — whether for hens that stop laying or those that become ill — requires advance thought and access to veterinary care from practitioners experienced with poultry.