Pet Chickens in Prams Inside China’s Unusual Urban Trend

In a trend that is surprising many and reshaping traditional ideas of pet ownership, urban residents in China are increasingly adopting chickens as household pets, treating them like family members and even taking them out in prams.

The phenomenon, gaining traction across major cities, highlights changing lifestyles and emotional connections in a rapidly modernising society, where unconventional pets are becoming more accepted.

From Farm Animal to Family Companion

In several Chinese cities, chickens are no longer seen solely as food but as companions, with owners raising them in apartments and caring for them in ways typically associated with dogs or cats.

Social media platforms have played a major role in popularising the trend, with videos and posts about pet chickens attracting more than 3.1 billion views, reflecting widespread curiosity and engagement.

One woman, identified as Aguai, began raising chickens after accidentally hatching eggs given to her by relatives. Instead of using them as food, she chose to keep the birds, becoming attached to their behaviour and personality.

Owners say chickens can be affectionate and responsive. Some even claim the birds can recognise voices and respond to simple commands, strengthening the bond between humans and animals.

A Growing Lifestyle Trend

Pet owners are increasingly going beyond basic care, dressing chickens in clothes, placing them in strollers and treating them with the same attention typically given to children.

The trend reflects broader shifts in urban China, where rising living costs, smaller living spaces and changing social structures are influencing how people choose companionship.

Experts say the rise of unconventional pets is also linked to emotional needs in fast-paced city life, where younger generations are seeking alternatives to traditional family structures.

Chickens, which are relatively low-cost and easy to maintain compared to dogs or cats, are seen as practical pets for urban dwellers. At the same time, they offer a unique emotional connection that appeals to many owners.

The trend is also prompting discussions about animal welfare and cultural attitudes toward food and pets. In regions where poultry has long been a dietary staple, the idea of keeping chickens as pets challenges deeply rooted norms.

While the movement continues to grow online, it has also sparked mixed reactions, with some embracing the idea as innovative and compassionate, while others question its practicality.

As urban lifestyles evolve, the rise of pet chickens in China underscores a wider transformation in how people relate to animals, suggesting that definitions of companionship may continue to expand in unexpected ways.