• PhD student calling on backyard chicken owners to provide feedback that will inform research
• The results will provide insights into backyard poultry management practices to benefit animal and human health across Australia
• The survey is open until Monday 30 June

Love them or hate them but there is no denying it – backyard chickens are on the rise as more Australians opt to keep their own poultry for pets or fresh produce.

Ms Tahura Khanam Munmun is a PhD student with Charles Sturt University’s School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences and Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment in Wagga Wagga.

She is conducting research aimed to gain an understanding of current management and health practices in backyard poultry farming systems in Australia.

The online survey, titled ‘Your Insights into Backyard Poultry Management and Health’, is open to backyard chicken owners who own less than 100 backyard poultry that produce less than 20 dozen eggs per week.

Ms Munmun said there has been an increase in backyard poultry keeping in Australia, particularly since COVID-19, as a reliable source of eggs and a friendly pet.

“Many Australians are increasingly drawn to the idea of producing fresh, organic eggs at home, seeking to reduce their dependence on commercial supply chains,” she said.

“It is estimated that approximately 416,000 families across Australia now keep at least one chicken.

“While egg production is often the initial reason for acquiring chickens, many owners continue to keep them because of the companion animal bond, enjoyment of caring for animals and the alignment with sustainable living values.”

The survey takes 15 minutes to complete and participant responses will be stored securely and used solely for research purposes.

Information obtained in this study will identify what support backyard poultry keepers need to improve the health of their poultry and minimise occurrence of disease, including antimicrobial resistance.

“This information can then guide the development of targeted educational resources and improve management and biosecurity guidelines tailored specifically for small-scale, non-commercial flock keepers,” Ms Munmun said.

“The research survey will assist veterinarians, industry and government in better understanding the growing popularity of backyard poultry, ensuring these owners are supported with practical, relevant information that promotes animal welfare and safeguards public health.”

The online survey is now open and closes on Monday 30 June. Participants will have a chance to win one of five $50 vouchers.