Original Source
China City Dwellers Adopt Chickens as Pets, Treating Them Like Babies
New Pet Culture in Chinese Cities
In several first-tier Chinese cities, chickens, once confined to the dinner table, are finding a new role as cherished household companions. Posts and videos about 'pet chickens' have garnered over 3.1 billion views on social media, highlighting how they are reshaping perceptions of pet culture in urban China.
Changing Perceptions of Chickens
Previously, in southeastern China’s Guangdong province, a local saying went: 'No chicken leaves here alive,' reflecting the region’s strong tradition of poultry consumption. However, some urban residents are now treating chickens like babies, even walking them in prams, demonstrating a significant shift in how these animals are perceived.
*Source: SCMP (2026-04-27)*
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