From the Backyard to Our Beds: The Spectrum of Care, Attitudes, Relationship Types, and Welfare in Non-Commercial Chicken Care.

ABSTRACT: Non-commercial chickens may be the third most numerous pets in Western countries. Yet, to date, there is limited research into their welfare or the care-taking practices and attitudes of their guardians. Using a quantitative questionnaire, this study investigated non-commercial chicken owners' care-taking practices, attitudes, and relationship types with their chickens. Additionally, the study investigated barriers to optimizing non-commercial chicken welfare. Specific questions were asked regarding niche care-taking practices, including the use of Suprelorin^® implants. With 2000+ responses, this study found variable care-taking practices, yet largely positive attitudes towards chickens, and a "personal" (though not "close personal") owner-chicken relationship, as defined by the

SUBMITTER: Mace JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10812673 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature