Meetroosters

Meetroosters is a term used in poultry-keeping and urban farming communities to describe organized social gatherings and online spaces dedicated to keeping, breeding, and exchanging information about chickens and other fowl, especially roosters. The term blends meet (as in meetups) and rooster, and it is used to refer to both in-person events and the online communities that coordinate them.

Origin and use: The concept emerged in online hobby forums and local poultry clubs in the early 2010s, with regional meetups to share breeding genetics, coop designs, feed advice, and welfare practices. In many cities, meetroosters events include presentations by experienced keepers, vendor demonstrations, cooperative purchasing, and social networking.

Activities and topics: Common topics include breed standards, enclosure construction, biosecurity, disease prevention, humane treatment, and legal requirements for poultry keeping. Events often feature show-and-tell sessions, breed spotlight talks, and exchange of birds under humane guidelines.

Organization and guidelines: Groups are typically organized by local clubs or online interest groups. Many emphasize animal welfare, legal compliance, and ethical keeping, with rules against cockfighting and other forms of cruelty.

Impact and reception: Proponents argue meetroosters strengthens community knowledge, supports small-scale farming, and improves animal welfare through education. Critics raise concerns about zoning restrictions, noise, and the welfare of birds in certain settings.

See also: Poultry keeping, Urban farming, Hobbyist clubs, Animal welfare in agriculture.