About Us

Our Values

We love chickens. Simple as that. And with over 34 billion chickens worldwide, there’s plenty to love. Chickens are curious, clever, sociable and full of personality. They’re also cheeky, bossy, sometimes a bit dramatic – and always fascinating.

In the UK alone, around 1 million households keep chickens, with an estimated 5 million birds looked after in back gardens, smallholdings, and urban coops. That makes chickens the third most popular pet in the country, just behind cats and dogs. And more than ever, people are treating them not as livestock, but as feathered friends – giving them names, treats, and even vet care.

They’re great providers too. Without them, there’d be no full English breakfasts, no Yorkshire puds, cakes, quiches or egg butties. No dipping your soldiers. And though I’m a vegetarian and loathe to say it, no nuggets, roast dinners or tikka masala. We owe a lot to the humble hen.

And because we rely on them so much, I believe chickens deserve the best care we can give them. That’s what Keeping Chickens UK is all about – helping poultry keepers across the country give their birds happy, healthy and safe lives, free from cruelty, hunger, disease and predators.

But I also care just as much about the chickens behind the food industry. We support better welfare for commercial poultry, including humane slaughter practices and the phasing out of battery and shed farming. All chickens, whether kept for eggs, meat or companionship, deserve a life that allows them to be chickens – outdoors, foraging, dustbathing and stretching their wings.

We’re also proud to support organisations making a difference. In particular, we value the work of the British Hen Welfare Trust, which rehomes thousands of retired commercial hens every year, saving them from the slaughter house. If you can give one a second chance, we urge you to welcome her into your flock.