A light-hearted post doing the rounds on social media this week declares that “research shows” people who raise chickens are “badass and fun to be around.” The graphic, shared widely on Facebook including by popular Nigerian blog Linda Ikeji’s Blog, has drawn laughs and plenty of proud comments from poultry keepers. But is there any science behind it? We took a look.
No Study Says Chicken Keepers Are “Badass”
Flashinfong could not find any published study that measures whether chicken keepers are “badass” or more fun to be around than anyone else. The post appears to be a humorous meme rather than a summary of real research, and it does not name a study, a university or any data.
That said, the joke is not entirely without foundation. A small but growing body of research has looked at what people get out of keeping chickens, and the findings are broadly positive.
What the Research Does Show
In 2021, Nicole Holt of Canterbury Christ Church University in England published exploratory research titled “From roast to roost: The therapeutic benefits of chicken companionship.” Based on an online questionnaire answered by 337 people, it found that chickens provided keepers with a sense of companionship, happiness, routine and purpose, alongside practical benefits such as eggs and garden fertiliser. The author noted that further research was needed.
A larger survey published in January 2024 in the journal Animals by Jenny Mace and Andrew Knight of the University of Winchester gathered more than 2,000 responses from people who keep chickens outside commercial farming. It found largely positive attitudes towards the birds and a personal relationship between many keepers and their flocks. More than half of respondents said that saving commercial hens from slaughter was one of their reasons for keeping chickens.
Projects in the UK, such as the HenPower scheme, have also used chickens in care homes to help older people feel less isolated, giving residents a daily routine and something to look after.
Why Chickens Can Be Good for People
Experts who study human–animal relationships point to several reasons why caring for animals, chickens included, can lift mood. Feeding and cleaning give structure to the day. Watching animals forage and interact can be calming. And collecting fresh eggs offers a small, regular sense of reward.
For many Nigerian families, of course, chickens are nothing new. Backyard poultry has long been part of life in towns and villages across the country, providing eggs, meat and extra income. Poultry farming has also become a popular small business for young people looking for ways to earn a living.
Things to Keep in Mind
Keeping chickens also brings responsibilities. Birds need clean water, good feed, secure housing and protection from predators. Keepers should wash their hands after handling birds or eggs, since poultry can carry bacteria such as salmonella, and should keep an eye out for signs of disease. Anyone keeping birds in a residential area should also check local rules and be considerate of neighbours, especially when it comes to early-morning crowing.
The Verdict
The claim that “research shows” chicken keepers are badass is a joke, not a scientific finding. But the studies that do exist suggest that for many people, raising chickens brings real comfort, routine and a sense of purpose. Whether that makes you more fun to be around is for your friends to decide.
Sources: Canterbury Christ Church University (Holt, 2021); Mace and Knight, Animals (2024).
