Backyard Chickens in Australia: Companions and Food Sources

**Chickens in Australian Backyards: A Blend of Companions and Food Sources** Chickens have long been a staple in Australian backyards, and recent research from the University of Adelaide delves into their unique role. **Dr. Emily Buddle** from the University's School of Humanities led a study that unveils these feathered creatures as a blend between pets and livestock. According to Dr. Buddle, backyard chickens occupy a 'hybrid space' in human-animal relations, acting as both trusted companions and sources of fresh food. **Study Insights and Findings** The research, published in the journal *Anthrozoös*, involved qualitative interviews with 44 backyard chicken owners in Adelaide. It explored people's motivations, ethical considerations, and perceptions of these birds. Chickens provide eggs and act as natural kitchen scrap recyclers, reinforcing their utility in urban and suburban settings. Despite participants forming emotional bonds with their chickens, these animals don't receive the same level of care as pets like dogs and cats. Veterinary costs often outweigh the perceived monetary value of the birds, leading many owners to forgo professional medical attention for their chickens. **Implications and Motivations** One key motivation for keeping backyard chickens is the assurance of having a reliable, 'definitely free-range' source of eggs, which are often seen as more ethical and safer than commercial options. This reflects a broader distrust in commercial food systems, including the controversial standards of free-range egg production in Australia. The findings also have policy implications for biosecurity and animal welfare, particularly due to the lack of veterinary care for these birds. Dr. Buddle suggests that understanding the motivations behind keeping backyard chickens can offer insights into people's distrust of food systems, which is further complicated by the supermarket duopoly in Australia.