Lucas Delgado
Chickens are one of the most common and widespread domesticated animals in the world, with an estimated global population of around 26 billion as of 2025. The chicken population has been increasing over the years, with 23.7 billion chickens recorded in 2018 and approximately 23 billion in 2017. China leads the world in chicken production, with over 5 billion chickens, followed by Indonesia with over 3.4 billion. The United States is also a major producer, with Iowa having the highest number of chickens of any state. Asia as a whole harbors 15.4 billion chickens, accounting for about 46% of the global chicken population in 2020. The demand for chicken meat and eggs has significantly contributed to the growth of their population, with over 50 billion chickens reared annually for consumption.
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What You'll Learn
Chicken domestication history
The chicken, scientifically known as Gallus gallus domesticus, is a domesticated subspecies of the red junglefowl (Gallus gallus), which is native to Southeast Asia. Chickens are believed to have been first domesticated around 8,000 years ago, and they have since become one of the most common and widespread domesticated animals worldwide.
The domestication of chickens is estimated to have occurred between 7,000 and 10,000 years ago, with archaeological evidence supporting the presence of domestic chickens in Southeast Asia well before 6000 BC, in China by 6000 BC, and in India by 2000 BC. Genomic studies suggest that all domestic chickens originate from a single domestication event of red junglefowl, which are predominantly found in southwestern China, northern Thailand, and Myanmar today.
Following their domestication, chickens spread across Southeast and South Asia, interbreeding with local wild species of junglefowl, resulting in genetically and geographically distinct groups. Chickens were also distributed globally through cockfighting, which was a popular sport, and by the Phoenicians, who spread them along the Mediterranean coasts as far as Iberia. During the Hellenistic period (4th-2nd centuries BC), chickens began to be widely domesticated for food in the southern Levant, and breeding increased under the Roman Empire.
Over time, selective breeding and hybridization with other junglefowl species, such as grey junglefowl, Sri Lankan junglefowl, and green junglefowl, led to the development of specialized breeds for meat and egg production. The American Poultry Association, formed in 1873, played a significant role in establishing breed standards and classifying various breeds. Today, chickens are an integral part of global animal husbandry and agriculture, with a global population exceeding 26.5 billion as of 2023. More than 50 billion chickens are produced annually for consumption, and countries like the United States slaughter over 8 billion chickens each year for meat.
Chickens are social animals with complex vocalizations and behaviors, and they hold cultural significance in folklore, religion, and literature across societies. They are primarily kept for their meat and eggs, but they are also kept as pets.
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Global chicken population trends
Chickens are one of the most common and widespread domesticated animals in the world. They are primarily kept for their meat and eggs, though they are also kept as pets. As of 2025, the global chicken population is estimated to be over 26 billion. This represents a significant increase from the estimated 23.7 billion chickens in the world in 2018 and the 4 billion chickens in 1961. The growth in the global chicken population can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing global demand for chicken meat and eggs, advancements in poultry farming technology, and the rise of large-scale commercial farming.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the United States had the highest number of chickens of any country, with a count of 9.22 billion chickens in 2020. However, other sources claim that China has the largest chicken population, with estimates ranging from 5 billion to 9.8 billion. Indonesia consistently ranks second or third, with estimates ranging from 1.5 billion to 3.4 billion. Other countries with high chicken populations include Pakistan, Brazil, and Russia. Asia is estimated to harbour 15.4 billion chickens, or 46% of the global chicken population in 2020.
The global demand for chicken meat and eggs has contributed significantly to the growth of the chicken population. Chickens have become a cornerstone of the global food industry, with poultry recently overtaking pork as the most produced type of meat worldwide. The United States has the highest volume of broiler meat production, at around 21.3 million metric tons in 2023. China and Brazil follow closely behind, with 14.3 million and 14.9 million metric tons, respectively. China also produced the highest number of eggs in 2022, at 584 billion, while the United States ranked fourth in worldwide egg production.
The efficiency of chicken production compared to other livestock has made chickens a preferred choice in both developed and developing countries. As urbanization and income levels increase, so does the consumption of chicken, further fuelling the growth in chicken populations worldwide. The rise of backyard poultry and flocks has also contributed to the increasing chicken population, with estimates suggesting a half increase since 2018. However, it is important to note that the vast majority of poultry is still raised in factory farms, with 74% of the world's poultry meat and 68% of eggs produced in these intensive farming systems.
The high number of chickens being killed and consumed globally, estimated at 20 million per day or 73.79 billion per year, has raised concerns about animal welfare and the environmental impact of the poultry industry. Despite this, the chicken population continues to grow, outnumbering humans by a ratio of 3.5 to 1 or even 5 to 1 as of 2024. With the increasing human population and reliance on chickens for protein and other nutritional needs, the global chicken population is expected to continue rising.
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Chicken population by country
The chicken, a domesticated subspecies of the red junglefowl, is one of the most common and widespread domestic animals in the world. As of 2023, the global chicken population exceeds 26.5 billion, with more than 50 billion birds produced annually for consumption. The US is the leading country of chicken production, with 9.22 billion chickens raised and slaughtered during 2020-2021, and Iowa is the leading state in the chicken farming industry. The combined chicken population located in the top 3 exceeds half of the global population, with 18 billion chickens found in Indonesia, China, and the US. China, with its large human population, raises more than 5.14 billion chickens each year and is also a leading producer of eggs, with 584 billion eggs produced in 2022.
Asia harbours 15.4 billion chickens, which is 46% of all the chickens in the world in 2020. The combined chicken population of the top three countries in Asia is just short of 10 billion chickens, with 9.8 billion chickens located in China, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Africa has a total of 2.07 billion chickens, and the population is pretty evenly distributed over the African countries. Morocco has 208 million chickens, which is the most of all African countries.
France averages 242.015 million young chickens consumed per year, and Russia consumed 496.96 million chickens in 2022 as its population relies on chicken for 60% of its dietary protein. Chicken also accounts for 68% of Russia's meat exports. In 2019, the UK produced 3.53 million chickens, with a drop to 135,000 tons from December 2021 to December 2022. Despite the apparent drop in consumption due to avian bird flu scares, chicken still accounts for 50% of Britain's meat diet.
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Chicken farming methods
As of 2023, the global chicken population exceeds 26.5 billion, with more than 50 billion birds produced annually for consumption. Chicken farming methods vary, with some common approaches outlined below.
Cage-Free Chicken Farming
Cage-free chicken farming allows chickens to roam freely within an enclosed barn or poultry house. While this method offers more freedom of movement compared to caged systems, space limitations may restrict their ability to engage in natural behaviours. Overcrowding and lack of outdoor access can present welfare challenges for the birds.
Free-Range Chicken Farming
Free-range chicken farming provides chickens with access to outdoor areas, allowing them to engage in natural behaviours like pecking, scratching, and foraging. While they may still spend some time indoors, they have the option to explore the outdoors. Free-range systems offer a better quality of life for chickens compared to caged and cage-free alternatives.
Pasture-Raised Chicken Farming
Pasture-raised chicken farming prioritises environmental stewardship and promotes soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. Chickens in this system enjoy a diet rich in nutrients from foraged foods, resulting in meat that is higher in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and lower in unhealthy saturated fats. Pasture-raised chickens are also free from antibiotics, hormones, and synthetic pesticides, offering consumers a more wholesome option.
Conventional Cages
This system uses cages in which the laying hen does not come into contact with droppings. It minimises negative factors affecting the performance of laying hens and reduces environmental impact.
Backyard Chicken Farming
Backyard chicken flocks are on the rise globally, with estimates suggesting a 50% increase since 2018. Keeping chickens in gardens and backyards offers access to fresh eggs and the opportunity to interact with friendly animals.
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Chicken consumption and demand
Chicken is a popular and versatile meat that is widely consumed across the globe. It is a relatively inexpensive and nutritious food source, making it highly valued by consumers, especially when compared with competing meats. Chicken meat is also used in a wide variety of further-processed products, such as ready-to-cook or microwavable meals, and its versatility has helped meet the changing demands of consumers, particularly in the United States.
Chicken consumption has been on a constant rise since the mid-1960s, with Americans buying more chicken than any other food. In 2008, global poultry meat production was projected to be 93 million metric tons, a 4% increase from the previous year. By 2023, the global chicken population exceeded 26.5 billion, with more than 50 billion birds produced annually for consumption. Asia harbours the highest number of chickens, with 15.4 billion birds in 2020, accounting for 46% of the world's chicken population. The United States has the highest volume of broiler meat production, at 21.3 million metric tons in 2023.
The demand for chicken has led to the development of specialized breeds, such as broilers and laying hens, which have been genetically selected and improved for meat and egg production, respectively. The average time required to raise a broiler chick for market has decreased over time, improving the efficiency of poultry meat production. Broiler chickens are now sold as whole birds, cut-up parts, or further-processed products, such as chicken nuggets.
The vast majority of poultry is raised in factory farms, with 74% of the world's poultry meat and 68% of eggs produced in this way. However, alternative methods such as free-range farming exist, and the friction between these two main methods has led to long-term issues of ethical consumerism. Opponents of intensive farming argue that it is inhumane and harmful to the environment, while advocates claim that their efficient systems save land and food resources.
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Frequently asked questions
The global chicken population is estimated to be 26 billion as of 2025, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This number primarily includes domesticated chickens used for meat and eggs.
China has the highest chicken population in the world, with estimates ranging from 5 billion to 5.3 billion chickens.
Brunei Darussalam has the highest chicken population per capita, with 4,902 chickens per 100 people.
Over 50 billion chickens are produced annually for consumption.
