Backyard poultry keeping has grown rapidly but welfare and biosecurity standards are often inadequate, with hens at risk from predators, disease, and poor husbandry.
Backyard poultry keeping can provide good welfare when done well, but is frequently undertaken without adequate knowledge. Predator attacks, in particular from foxes, are a leading cause of suffering and death in inadequately secured flocks. Respiratory and parasitic diseases are common in poorly managed systems. Biosecurity is important both for flock health and to prevent disease spread to wild birds and commercial flocks. Prospective keepers should access training and commit to adequate infrastructure before acquiring birds.