Respect For Chickens Day

Respect for Chickens Day is a global holiday dedicated to chickens. These birds provide us with nutritious products such as eggs and meat. Additionally, their feathers can be used to make pillows. The holiday emphasizes the importance of this poultry to humanity. It is celebrated annually on May 4.

History

Respect for Chickens Day began in 2005, when Karen Davis founded United Poultry Concerns. The organization focuses not only on chickens but also on other poultry, such as turkeys and ducks. The holiday encourages people to treat poultry more humanely, as millions of chickens are slaughtered each year to meet human consumption needs. It also promotes the ideas of vegetarianism.

Wild chickens lived in Southeast Asia about 50 million years ago, with domestication believed to have occurred around 8,000 years ago. Chickens are considered the oldest domesticated birds, initially raised for their nutritious meat and eggs. Given that chickens lay several eggs, their breeding quickly became widespread.

Interesting facts

• Researchers claim that chickens’ ancestors were feathered dinosaurs capable of flight.
• Chickens cannot fly long distances, but they can use their wings to fly up to about 15 cm. They are adept at descending from heights like roofs, though getting up there is more difficult.
• Chickens are not as harmless as they seem. They eat small insects, mice, and other small organisms. In cases of malnourishment or injury among their peers, they are even capable of cannibalism. Chickens may also eat their own eggs.

How to celebrate

Consider giving up chicken dishes for the day or, if you don’t support vegetarianism, enjoy some chicken meat. Learn more interesting facts about chickens and their role in history.

Share the holiday on social media. Ask your followers if they frequently eat chicken meat and eggs. If not, why?

When is Respect For Chickens Day in 2025?

Respect For Chickens Day is observed on May 4 each year.

Observations