Chickens have been a beloved staple of Australian households for generations, serving not just as a nutritional resource but as cherished companions.
Research conducted by scholars at the University of Adelaide sheds light on this fascinating duality: chickens are seen by their owners as both pets and reliable providers of food.
Human-Animal Relationships
Dr. Emily Buddle from the University of Adelaide’s School of Humanities highlights the unique place backyard chickens occupy within the intricate web of human-animal relationships.
These birds combine characteristics of livestock and pets, blurring the lines we typically use to categorize animals.
Published in the journal Anthrozoös, this study involved collaboration among Dr. Buddle, Professor Rachel Ankeny of Wageningen University, Dr. Kristen Stevens from the University of South Australia, and Dr. Heather Bray from the University of Western Australia.
It notably contrasts with other traditional practices, such as dairy farming or pig-keeping, which have declined over the years.
Chicken-keeping, on the other hand, has not only persisted but thrived.
Motivations and Ethical Considerations
The research focuses on the motivations, ethical considerations, and attitudes of Australians who keep chickens. Dr. Buddle pointed out that these birds have long held a place in Australian homes—not just for their eggs and meat but also for their ecological role in recycling kitchen scraps.
Participants in the study often described their chickens as possessing distinct personalities, akin to those of pets, and enjoyed their companionship.
Remarkably, even those who consumed chicken expressed a strong reluctance to slaughter the birds they raised.
Despite this emotional connection, the level of care chickens receive often falls short compared to that given to more traditional pets, like dogs and cats.
The researchers observed that, while owners cherished their chickens, they rarely sought veterinary care for them.
The relatively low cost of chickens made the expense of veterinary services seem unjustifiable to many.
Conducted through in-depth interviews with 44 backyard chicken owners in Adelaide, the study revealed that practicality was a primary reason for raising chickens.
The availability of fresh, trusted eggs from free-range sources was a significant draw for owners, especially in light of the confusing labeling surrounding free-range eggs in Australia.
Implications for Policy-Makers
Previous research by the team has shown that consumers favor free-range eggs due to perceptions of their natural, ethical, and safe qualities.
The growing movement toward backyard chicken-keeping reflects a wider distrust of commercial food systems.
Dr. Buddle remarked on the implications of these findings for policy-makers, especially concerning animal welfare and biosecurity, given the limited veterinary care typically provided to backyard chickens.
She noted that, while local regulations and challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic have evolved, there has been little research examining the motivations for raising chickens at home until now.
There is a pressing need to explore the public’s skepticism towards the food supply, particularly in the light of the Australian supermarket duopoly, as well as the various strategies people adopt to address these concerns.
The insights gathered offer a fresh perspective on the enduring relationship between Australians and their feathered companions.
Source: ScienceDaily