Going Viral: Chinese Pet Owners Are Raising Chickens as Beloved Companions, Dressing Them Up and Taking Them for Walks
Chinese pet owners are raising chickens as beloved companions, dressing them in clothes and taking them on outings in strollers, with viral videos garnering over 3.1 billion combined views. The trend appeals to owners for its low costs, lac
A viral trend has taken the internet by storm as Chinese residents, especially in major cities, increasingly adopt chickens as cherished pets, treating them with the same care and attention as children. Owners take their chickens on outings in strollers, dress them in clothes, hats, and shoes, while emphasizing the low costs and complete absence of odor problems.
Videos featuring pet chickens have garnered over 3.1 billion combined views, clearly reflecting a changing perspective on pets and livestock animals. One notable case features a woman in Guangdong Province who hatched three chicks from eggs gifted by relatives and fell in love with them, deciding to raise them rather than consume them. These chickens are typically Silkie chickens, an ancient Chinese breed with over 2,000 years of history, known for their gentle temperament, ease of care, and remarkably low monthly feed costs—less than 30 yuan, or roughly 150 baht.
Many owners report that these chickens are intelligent, capable of recognizing voices and communicating with humans through emotional expressions and unique behaviors. Unlike popular pets like dogs and cats, they cause no odor or shedding issues. Some enthusiasts even sleep alongside their pet chickens and design custom leashes, diapers, and outings in baby strollers, complete with full clothing and accessories.
Pet chicken owners believe this trend reduces stress compared to traditional pet care, as chickens require simpler maintenance, lower costs, and simpler lifestyles. Some report that bonding with chickens has transformed their perspective on farm animals—shifting from viewing them merely as food to recognizing them as sentient beings with feelings.
This trend represents part of China's rapidly growing alternative pet movement, which encompasses reptiles, insects, and rodents. Reports indicate approximately 17 million Chinese citizens now own such alternative pets, generating a market value approaching 100 billion yuan, or roughly 500 billion baht—reflecting significant business opportunities and evolving consumer behavior in the modern era.
