Domestic Chickens

Domestic Chickens at Hobart Zoo and Aquarium Zoo

Clucky, curious, and full of personality—domestic chickens are more than just farm animals—they’re clever, social, and always entertaining. With their bright feathers, quirky behaviours, and gentle nature, chickens are a favourite with guests of all ages.

In the wild

Originally domesticated from wild jungle fowl in Southeast Asia thousands of years ago, chickens are now found all over the world in a huge variety of colours, sizes, and breeds. They love to scratch, peck, sunbathe, and chatter among themselves throughout the day.

At Hobart Zoo and Aquarium Zoo, our chickens live in a free-range farmyard environment, where visitors can interact with them in a calm, supervised setting.

How We Keep Our Chickens Thriving

Natural Pecking

Chickens enjoy a diet of grains, seeds, leafy greens, and food-safe insects, with foraging trays and scatter feeding to support their natural behaviours.
Safe, Enriched Spaces

With dust baths, shady shelters, perches, and nest boxes, our hens and roosters have plenty of space to roam, rest, and lay eggs comfortably.
Friendly Encounters

As part of our interactive farmyard zone, guests can gently feed and observe our chickens up close—learning about their unique personalities and pecking order.

🐾 Come meet the flock at Hobart Zoo and Aquarium Zoo! Whether they’re scratching in the straw or following visitors with curiosity, our chickens are full of charm and always up for a visit.