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"Chickens have been part of Australian backyards for a long time, providing a source of food, once destined for the soup pot, and through the provision of eggs, as well as a way to recycle kitchen scraps," Dr Buddle says.

"Chickens offer an ongoing supply of fresh eggs from a known and trusted source," Dr Buddle says.

Dr Buddle explains that previous research from the group has shown that people prefer free-range eggs because they are perceived as "more natural," ethical, and safer.

"Our research indicated that backyard chickens are seen as both companion animals and as a source of food, falling within a hybrid space of human-animal relations," explains Dr Emily Buddle from the University of Adelaide's School of Humanities.

"A surprising finding was that, while being loved companions, most participants were unlikely to take their chickens to the vet," Dr Buddle says.