Backyard chickens have surged in popularity. Understanding their welfare needs as social, active animals prevents common husbandry mistakes and suffering.
Backyard chicken welfare is often undermined by the perception of chickens as low-maintenance animals requiring minimal care. In reality, chickens need appropriate social groups, daily health monitoring, parasite management, predator-proof housing, veterinary access and end-of-life planning. Red mite infestation — invisible during the day, intensely active at night — causes severe anaemia and suffering that owners frequently miss. Respiratory disease spreads rapidly in small flocks and requires prompt veterinary attention. The end-of-life challenge for spent hens whose eggs decline is often inadequately planned by new keepers, resulting in delayed euthanasia for suffering animals.