Are you among the many people considering joining the backyard chicken craze? Or are you already a proud chicken owner, basking in the warm glow of fresh eggs every morning? Either way, you’ll want to peck at this post because we’ve gathered some egg-ceptional backyard chicken statistics on the popularity and diversity of chicken keeping.
Disclaimer: While we’ve done our best to provide accurate and up-to-date statistics on backyard chickens, it’s possible that some of these numbers may have changed since we last checked.
And let’s be real, how accurate can stats on such unpredictable creatures really be? But don’t worry, we’ll do our best to keep this information as fresh as a farm-raised egg.
So don’t be afraid to use these stats to impress your friends at your next chicken-themed dinner party, just know that they might not be 100% reliable. But hey, it’s all for the sake of some good-natured chicken fun, right?
How many people are keeping chickens in their backyards these days?
Clucking amazing news, fellow chicken lovers: turns out we’re not alone in our love for feathered friends!
According to a 2013 study by the USDA, they’re predicting that a whopping 5% of Americans (that’s 16.55 million people!) are now raising their backyard flocks. And that’s not all – this trend is on the rise, with the number of backyard chicken owners in the US more than doubling in the past decade. So go ahead and let your chicken pride shine – you’re in good company!
It’s not just a North American phenomenon, either – backyard chicken keeping has become popular worldwide, with an estimated 13% of households in the UK and 8% of households in Australia also raising chickens.
Fascinating Facts about the Booming Backyard Chicken Craze
- The number of backyard chicken owners in the United States has more than doubled in the past decade.
- The US’s most popular backyard chicken breed is the Rhode Island Red.
- Nearly half of all backyard chicken owners have at least one “exotic” breed in their flock.
- 85% of backyard chicken owners keep their chickens primarily for the eggs.
- The average lifespan of a chicken is around 8-10 years.
- Chickens can produce around 250-300 eggs per year.
- Backyard chicken owners in the US spend an average of $75 per year on feed and supplies for their chickens.
- Chickens have excellent memories and can recognize and remember up to 100 other chickens.
- Chickens have a good sense of direction and can find their way home from up to a mile away.
- The most common health problem among backyard chickens is a respiratory illness, which affects around 20% of backyard flocks.
- Lice are backyard chickens’ most common external parasite, affecting around 30% of flocks.
- Chickens can provide natural fertilizer for gardens and help control pests.
- The risks of illness or injury to backyard chickens are generally low.
- Chickens can serve as therapy animals and provide a sense of accomplishment and connection to nature to their owners.
- Chickens can be trained to respond to their names and perform simple tricks.
- Chickens have a social hierarchy and can establish pecking orders within their flocks.
- The demand for backyard chickens has led to a boom in the chicken coop industry, with many companies now offering a variety of styles and sizes of chicken coops to suit different needs and budgets.
- Chickens can produce eggs in various colors, including white, brown, blue, green, and pink.
- Chickens are omnivores and will eat various foods, including grains, vegetables, insects, and even small rodents.
- Chickens can communicate through vocalizations and body language, and some people believe they can even understand human speech.
- Chickens are social animals and do best when kept in groups, but monitoring their behavior is critical to ensure that they get along and that there is enough space for everyone.
But what about the chickens themselves?
What breeds are people choosing to keep in their backyard flocks? The most popular breed in the US is the Rhode Island Red, known for its hardy nature and high egg production.
Other top breeds include the Australorp, Leghorn, and Wyandotte.
However, the trend in backyard chicken keeping is towards more diverse and unusual breeds, with many opting for chickens with unique colors, patterns, or even featherless varieties.
In fact, according to one survey, nearly half of all backyard chicken owners have at least one “exotic” breed in their flock.
So what do people do with all those eggs?
It turns out that most backyard chicken owners use their chickens for various purposes. The most common is egg production, with about 85% of backyard chicken owners saying they keep their chickens primarily for the eggs.
However, many people also keep chickens for meat, breeding, or simply as pets. A survey found that nearly half of all backyard chicken owners consider their birds to be “part of the family.”
But as any chicken owner knows, keeping chickens isn’t all sunshine and egg salad sandwiches. There are also some challenges to consider.
For one, getting started can be a bit of financial investment, with the cost of chickens, feed, housing, and supplies adding up. It also requires a certain level of commitment, as chickens need daily care and attention.
And while the risks of illness or injury are generally low, there is always a chance that your chickens could succumb to predators, disease, or other problems.
Despite these challenges, the benefits of backyard chicken keeping are many. In addition to the fresh eggs, chickens can provide natural fertilizer for your garden, help control pests, and even serve as therapy animals.
And, of course, there’s the intangible benefit of the sense of accomplishment and connection to nature that comes with keeping your animals.
So, are you ready to join the ranks of backyard chicken owners?
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time chicken keeper, we hope these statistics have given you a taste of what it’s like to have feathered friends in your backyard.
Just don’t forget to provide them with plenty of TLC and scratch – it’s the least you can do for all those delicious eggs.
