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How many people keep chickens in the UK
Article Contents
1. The number of UK households keeping chickens
Today, the number of households in the UK that keep domestic chickens is over 1.3 million 1, a figure that has risen sharply since 2013 when the number of domestic chicken keepers was estimated to be just 750,000. The rise is partly due to COVID-19 pandemic, when food shortages (which included eggs) prompted many of us to live more sustainably and reduce our reliance on supermarkets. But, as we will see, this is not the whole story..
The true number of households keeping chickens has, traditionally, been difficult to assess as only flocks of 50 birds and over were required by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) to be registered. However, repeated outbreaks of Avian Bird Flu in recent years has meant that keepers of smaller flocks are also now required to register.
This aims to improve disease surveillance and provide timely information to bird keepers about biosecurity measures and outbreak updates.
2. Chicken keeping and Covid
The arrival of Covid-19 at the beginning of 2020 triggered panic buying in many areas of the UK, which resulted in certain food shortages in some supermarkets and grocery shops.
Bread, pasta, rice, dairy products and other staples were suddenly in high demand, as people stockpiled essentials. Eggs were stockpiled, along with flour and yeast, because they are essential ingredients in home baking.
“Food security” became a new and oft-used used phrase during this time, which prompted some people to rethink their relationship with food and pursue a more sustainable lifestyle.
As a result, chicken keeping became an obvious and practical choice.
3. Chickens as pets
There has also been a rise in the keeping of chickens as pets. Like food stockpiling, this phenomenon also appears to have been driven (at least in part) by the Covid pandemic, repeated lockdowns and concerns over egg shortages.
However, chicken rehoming charities, such as the British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT), have also contributed to this trend, with over 60,000 ex-commercial hens being rehomed each year, compared to just 8500 dogs that are rehomed annually by the Dogs Trust. This means that domestic chickens now rank just behind dogs, cats and indoor birds as the UK’s favorite pets.2
4. Chicken keeping and climate change
Our concerns over climate change have likewise contributed to a noticeable rise in chicken keeping as people seek to mitigate against food insecurity while reducing their carbon footprint.
Garden chickens provide fresh eggs daily, eliminating the need for shop-bought eggs that often travel long distances, resulting in transportation emissions.
The organic waste recycling that chicken keeping offers likewise appeals to this eco-friendly mindset, as chickens will readily consume kitchen scraps, while producing valuable manure for home grown crops
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping chickens is a growing trend in the UK, appealing to a wide range of people who value fresh eggs, sustainable living and the joy of caring for back garden chickens. While exact numbers are hard to determine, the rising interest in keeping chickens reflects a broader movement toward self-sufficiency, sustainability and simpler lifestyle.
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