The European towns that give away free Chickens

Several towns in France and Belgium give residents free chickens to help reduce food waste, since hens eat kitchen scraps and provide fresh eggs. The French town of Colmar has distributed more than 5,000 hens since 2015, preventing an estimated 273 tonnes of bio‑waste from going to landfill. Similar schemes in Belgium have also been popular.

Experts note challenges: bird‑flu regulations, the cost and effort of keeping chickens, and the risk that people may waste more food if they assume scraps can simply go to the birds. Still, the programs have strengthened community bonds and taught children about animals and sustainability.

What are your thoughts on giving away free chickens. We think the world would be a much better place if everyone had Chooks.

Click here to see original BBC article (by Lucy Sherriff March 2025).