Chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and quail all fall under the word 'poultry'. National Poultry Day, on March 19, celebrates these birds, which provide eggs and meat for much of the world, and the farmers and backyard keepers who raise them. It is a fun day to learn about the birds themselves, visit a farm, or cook a favorite poultry dish.
History of National Poultry Day
Chickens were domesticated from the red junglefowl of Southeast Asia, probably several thousand years ago. At first they may have been kept for cockfighting or ceremonies, and only later became important for eggs and meat. Chickens spread across Asia, Africa and Europe and reached the Americas with European settlers.
Turkeys, by contrast, are native to North America. Indigenous peoples in Mexico domesticated them around 2,000 years ago, and Spanish explorers took them to Europe in the 1500s. Ducks and geese were domesticated in Asia and Europe for meat, eggs and feathers.
In the 20th century, poultry farming changed dramatically with new breeding, feeding and housing methods, and chicken became the most widely eaten meat in the United States. At the same time, backyard chicken keeping has grown in popularity, as more people want fresh eggs and a connection to their food. Who started National Poultry Day is not documented.
Why National Poultry Day Matters
Poultry provides affordable protein for billions of people and supports many farming jobs.
The day is also a chance to think about animal welfare and to appreciate the work of farmers.
How to Celebrate National Poultry Day
- Visit a farm: see chickens, ducks or turkeys up close.
- Cook a poultry dish: roast a chicken or try duck for the first time.
- Learn about backyard chickens: research what keeping hens involves.
- Hatch an egg project: some schools hatch chicks with an incubator.
- Choose thoughtfully: read about different poultry farming labels.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a roast chicken lunch or a poultry-themed potluck with a vegetarian option is an easy team meal. In classrooms, students can learn about the life cycle of a chicken, compare different poultry birds, or watch eggs hatch in a supervised incubator project. Agriculture lessons can explore where food comes from. At home, families can visit a farm or petting zoo, learn about raising backyard chickens, or cook a simple roast chicken together. Teach children food safety too: always wash hands after handling raw poultry and cook it to 165°F (74°C).
Fun Facts About National Poultry Day
- Chickens descend from the red junglefowl of Southeast Asia.
- Turkeys were domesticated in Mexico around 2,000 years ago.
- Chicken is the most widely eaten meat in the United States.
National Poultry Day FAQs
When is National Poultry Day?
National Poultry Day is March 19.
What counts as poultry?
Domesticated birds raised for eggs or meat, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and quail.
Where did chickens come from?
They were domesticated from the red junglefowl of Southeast Asia.
What temperature should poultry be cooked to?
165°F (74°C) to be safe.