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National Poultry Day

A food observance on March 19 celebrating domesticated birds raised for meat and eggs, honoring poultry farmers and the role of the poultry industry in the food supply.

Friday
19
March 2027
Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team
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YEARLY DATEMarch 19
OBSERVED INUnited States
CATEGORYAnimals
SUBCATEGORYFarm Animals
ORIGIN

Community Origin

FOUNDING ENTITY
Not documented
FIRST OBSERVED
1951
HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The observance began in 1951 in Versailles, Ohio, as a local single-day Poultry Day celebrating the town's poultry industry. It grew from a community grassroots effort with no specific founder or formal national proclamation.

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INTRO

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate National Poultry Day on March 19 by doing the best thing possible with poultry... eating it! This day has been around since the early 20th century and celebrates the myriad of ways that people have enjoyed poultry throughout history. From fried chicken and roasted turkey, to duck confit, quail eggs and more, there's something for everyone. So get your friends together and make a meal fit for a king or queen in honor of National Poultry Day!

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TIMELINE

National Poultry Day Timeline

Fancy Poultry Shows

The 19th century saw the growth of "fancy poultry" shows, which promoted breeding of various poultry species for aesthetic pleasure and competition.

Establishment of National Chicken Council

The National Chicken Council was established in the USA to represent vertical integrators in the broiler chicken industry and has since worked to ensure consumers get safe, nutritious and affordable chicken.

Kentucky Fried Chicken Expands

The fast-food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise began expanding out of state in the US, contributing significantly to the popularity of poultry products worldwide.

Introduction of Turkey day

The 1980s brought the inception of National Turkey Lovers’ Month in America, usually commemorated in June to represent a time when turkey was traditionally consumed.

Growth of Poultry Consumption

Throughout the 2000s, poultry consumption continued to increase globally, with chicken surpassing beef in America for the first time in 2004 due to its health benefits and versatility.

Recognition of National Poultry Day

The holiday gained more widespread recognition in 2012, with poultry enthusiasts using the occasion to celebrate, cook and eat different types of poultry dishes.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Poultry Day

EDITOR'S PICK

Cook a poultry dish

Whether you are roasting, baking, or grilling, there are plenty of delicious recipes to choose from for National Poultry Day. Get creative and try something new!

VISIT

Visit a farm

Head over to your local farm and learn more about the birds that provide us sustenance. Take part in activities like egg collecting or feed the chickens.

GO

Go to a poultry festival

Attend a poultry festival near you to experience a variety of culinary delights made from poultry. Enjoy live music and entertainment while learning about different bird breeds.

ORDER

Order takeout

If cooking isn't your style, order some delicious takeout from your favorite restaurant that serves poultry dishes. It's an easy way to celebrate!

HOST

Host a dinner party

Invite friends and family over for dinner and prepare a delicious poultry dish for them. You can also make it a potluck if you want to get creative with different recipes.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Poultry Day

Poultry is versatile

One great thing about poultry is how versatile it can be. From casseroles to salads to soups, you can use it in almost any type of dish. Plus, the leftovers are great for sandwiches, wraps and pizzas - making dinner time a breeze!

Poultry is healthy

Poultry is a great source of lean protein, which helps to keep you feeling full for longer. It also contains important vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Eating poultry on regular basis can help to boost your immune system and even provide some protection against certain types of cancer.

Poultry is delicious

Chicken, turkey, duck, and other types of poultry are some of the most flavorful proteins out there. Whether you're baking it in the oven, grilling it on the barbecue, or simmering it in a stew, poultry always adds amazing flavor to any dish.

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