Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.
Whether you’re thinking about wild chickens, free-range chickens, or farm chickens, the importance of these animals cannot be denied. This is especially true in the United Kingdom. Chicken and egg production are some of the most lucrative businesses you’ll find in this county. With thousands of businesses specializing in the poultry industry, it isn’t surprising that the United Kingdom is full of chickens.
Chickens are raised for both their meat and their eggs. As we are well aware, chicken is a favorite dish on many tables. The same can be said for the chicken eggs. With the need for these animals being so high, it isn’t surprising that the British government has implemented restrictions and regulations to keep everything running smoothly.
Let’s take a look at a few statistics covering chickens, eggs, consumption, and the money made by this business. You may be surprised by the things you learn.
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Types of Chickens in the UK
1. In 2019, the number of organic poultry livestock in the UK was 3.53 million.
(Statista)
The 3.53 million organic poultry livestock in the UK in 2019 marks the most growth the country has had in organic poultry. The numbers were taken from organic poultry numbers beginning in 2011 until 2019.
Image Credit: Tony Campbell, Shutterstock
2. In 2018, there were 124 million broiler chickens in the United Kingdom.
(Statista)
When reported in 2018, there were 124 million broiler chickens throughout the UK. This number increased over the previous two years and far outweighed the number of laying hens found within the country.
3. In 2018, the United Kingdom had 14 million hens and pullets for livestock laying.
(Statista)
The number of laying hens and pullets was overwhelmed in 2018 by the number of chickens prepared for slaughter.
Image Credit: byrev, Pixabay
The Chicken Business in the UK
4. 1.1 billion chickens are killed in the UK each year.
(GOV.UK)
Over one year, 1.1 billion chickens are killed in the United Kingdom. This number has grown each year and is expected to continue its rise. This number shows how important chickens are to families in the UK, many of which put the chicken on their tables several times per week.
5. In the UK there are over 30,000 businesses raising poultry.
(IbisWorld)
With the poultry business being so lucrative in the United Kingdom it isn’t surprising that over 30,000 businesses are taking part in the raising of chickens and other types of poultry. These businesses can include farms, poultry businesses, and even restaurants.
Image Credit: Majna, Shutterstock
6. In 2020, the United Kingdom exported 315 million eggs.
(Egg Info)
In 2020, through the COVID-19 Pandemic, the United Kingdom still managed to export 315 million eggs, which was on par with previous years. This goes to show not only the demand of other countries but also the UK’s ability to mass-produce eggs.
The Chicken and the Egg
7. In 2019, free-range egg sales represented 67% of all retail egg sales.
(Egg Info)
Free-range egg sales increased by double between 2004 and 2019 and now represent 67% of all egg sales in the UK. Free-range eggs are easily considered the best eggs for consumption and are often the only eggs some people will consume.
Image Credit: PhotoSongserm, Shutterstock
8. The overall consumption of eggs increased from 174 eggs per person in 2004 to 197 eggs per person in 2019.
(Egg Info)
The overall consumption of eggs per person in the UK has grown quite a bit since 2004. This is thanks in part to retail consumption where citizens are enjoying eggs in restaurants and other settings. This rise also shows the importance of egg production throughout the country.
9. At least 95% of the UK population eats chicken.
(The Poultry Site)
95% of citizens in the UK enjoy having chicken. In most instances, these people also claim they eat chicken at least 2 times a week. Chicken is used in many recipes that those around the table enjoy.
Image Credit: MODMOD, Shutterstock
10. 35.5 million eggs are consumed daily in the UK.
(GOV.UK)
Eggs are now considered one of the best foods you can eat. High in protein and quite tasty, many people enjoy a type of egg for one or more of their meals per day. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, eggs make a great dish on the dining room table.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chickens in the UK
Does the UK have regulations and protections in place to ensure chickens are treated humanely?
Yes, regulations are in place regarding the treatment and transport of chickens. Anyone who raises chickens is susceptible to welfare checks at any time.
How many chickens can a person keep on their property?
For personal raising, a person can have up to 50 chickens on their property.
Are chickens allowed to roam free in the UK?
No, they are not. New government restrictions have been recently added to keep people who are raising chickens from allowing them to free roam.
Image Credit: Spech, Shutterstock
What is the most popular chicken in the United Kingdom?
The Rhode Island Red is considered the most popular chicken in the United Kingdom. Many of the local farms prefer raising these chickens themselves.
What is the difference between broiler chickens and egg-laying hens?
Broiler chickens are raised solely for consumption. Egg-laying hens are used for producing the eggs that people in the UK consume daily.
As you can see, chickens play a vital role when it comes to keeping families fed and making money in the UK. While some of the numbers shared may be staggering, chickens in the UK are well on their way to being one of the biggest imports and exports the country has. Whether it is farming chickens for consumption or egg production, knowing about these barnyard creatures will help you understand the foods you’re putting on your table better.
