Ever noticed that chickens are suddenly so trendy? Seeing them in backyards across America lately isn’t all that surprising. More and more families are choosing these feathered friends as their new favorite pets for their unique personalities and the fresh eggs they provide. The result? It is a booming industry with companies developing a range of chicken-related products, from custom coops to high-fashion chicken attire.
The lucrative market doesn’t stop there. Rumors are also swirling about the next big thing: chicken spas for pampering, feather grooming, and beak manicuring! But the path to owning pet chickens isn’t all rosy. Critics argue that the emphasis on aesthetics over health leads to ethical pitfalls. Still, the industry is racing to keep up with the trend, which shows no signs of letting up.
So, what does this shift mean for us? Canadian resident Sue Cristante, a pet chicken owner, has some thoughts. She noticed a significant increase in poultry coop sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, with people seeking comfort, entertainment, and a home-grown food source in uncertain times. Seriously, who knew? She’s also seen a boom in local chicken-keeping workshops, which have become a source of community and education for many.
It’s not just individuals cashing in on this trend. Even big retail companies have seen this shift significantly impact their bottom line. An example? CEO Hal Lawton attributed the growth to the bond owners form with their chickens, leading to increased sales of products like pet chicken supplies, heaters, food containers, and more.
Chickens: America’s booming pet trend
The demographics of chicken ownership have been broadening well beyond rural and suburban communities to urban settings. What an exciting time.
To put it simply, chickens are the new favored animal companion. Demand for chicken-friendly landscaping, safe plants, and predator-resistant fences is also soaring. Health products like chicken vitamins and supplements are equally high on the must-have list. This isn’t just a passing trend – chickens are a game-changer in the pet industry and an untapped business goldmine. Watch this space!
But how are companies innovating to keep up? To cater to the new demand, a product line tailored especially for poultry enthusiasts, complete with items like chicken toys, heat lamps, food, and water, is set to roll out in 2022. These particular products aim to promote well-being and urban farming, indicating that the company is committed to diversifying its product range to meet the needs of this niche market.
As pioneers in this field, companies also have plans to further boost their product lines by incorporating feedback from the poultry community. For instance, they aim to improve their offering to continue to bring value and promote healthy, content poultry populations. If the figures are anything to go by (13% of US households own about 85 million backyard chickens!), this industry is just beginning to take flight.
So, with all these changes, what’s the downside? Chickens aren’t toilet trained, and some predators would love to make a meal of them. Chicken owners need to get creative, and local wildlife means a solid coop is essential. But look at the bright side: chickens provide fresh eggs, excellent natural fertiliser for gardens, and you get to dress them up for all your social gatherings. Yes, you heard it right; chicken diapers are a thing now! Quite simply, chickens are transforming our backyards and our lives. Welcome to the age of pet chickens!
