David Beckham to Meghan Markle: 5 celebrities who keep chickens in their backyard
Once the domain of rural homesteaders, backyard chicken keeping has found its place in the A-list lifestyle. Over the last few years, a growing number of celebrities have leaned into homesteading and eco-conscious living. Whether prompted by pandemic slowdowns, a desire to reconnect with nature, or a passion for sustainable food, many are finding solace and satisfaction in keeping chickens.
Jennifer Garner ’s Hennifer the hen
American actor Jennifer Garner has become something of a poster girl for backyard farming. Known for her cheerful “Pretend Cooking Show” on Instagram, Garner often shares joyful snippets from her family’s life with chickens, including riding a toy tractor with one perched in a mini-trailer behind her, and dancing by her backyard coop. One of her hens is even named “Hennifer.”“Raising chickens offers a hands-on connection to your food source, which can be incredibly rewarding for families,” said Vince Braun, Founder of HealthiStraw. “Kids especially benefit from learning responsibility and empathy through daily chicken care.”
David Beckham : The Peckhams of the countryside
Victoria Beckham gifted husband David a flock of chickens for Christmas once and he took to them like a pro. Clad in classic Wellies and a flat cap, Beckham has been spotted strutting through the garden surrounded by hens. While we can’t confirm if they have officially dubbed their flock The Peckhams, fans online are already running with it.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry : Royal rescue at Archie’s Chick Inn
During Meghan and Harry’s now-famous Oprah interview, the world got a glimpse of their chicken coop, adorably named Archie’s Chick Inn. The couple rescued their hens from a factory farm as part of their “back to basics” lifestyle in California. For Meghan, a long-time animal welfare advocate, it was about more than fresh eggs, it was about offering sanctuary to overworked hens.“Rescued chickens can thrive in backyard settings with proper care,” Vince explained. “They often lay eggs just as well and develop affectionate bonds with their keepers.”
Martha Stewart : Queen of the coop
Of course, domestic doyenne Martha Stewart has her own impressive flock! With over 200 chickens at her Bedford, New York, estate including Cream Legbars, Cuckoo Marans and Frizzle Naked Necks, her setup is practically a chicken paradise. Stewart’s hens dine on organic kitchen scraps, roam designer coops, and reward her with eggs in every shade from pale blue to chocolate brown.“Breed choice really matters if you want specific egg colours or temperaments,” Vince said. “Cream Legbars, for instance, are prized for their blue eggs and calm nature.”
Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian: Family flock
When Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian posted a photo of their family chickens on Instagram, it was not just the hens that stole the spotlight, it was their names. Bum Bum, Chickaletta, Minnie and Daisy were lovingly named by the couple’s three-year-old daughter, Olympia. For this power couple, the coop is clearly a family affair!“Keeping backyard chickens can be a great way to engage young children in nature-based learning,” Vince said. “Giving them responsibility for feeding or naming hens can give them a deeper bond with their animals and the outdoors.”Bringing his expertise to the same, Vince Braun from HealthiStraw opined, “While celebrity coops may have more glamor than most, the trend speaks to a broader cultural shift. People – famous or not – are yearning for authenticity, sustainability, and slower living. Chickens offer all three. As more people rethink their relationship with food and the environment, raising chickens becomes a small but tangible way to live more mindfully. Raising your own flock connects you to nature and provides a surprising amount of joy – as well as your own guaranteed source of eggs! Whether in a Hollywood mansion or a suburban garden, chickens are enjoying a moment in the spotlight. They’re helping celebrity and regular owners alike find peace, purpose, and maybe even a little bit of magic in the everyday.”
