2026 Poultry Census Underway

Breeders and enthusiasts key to documenting rare heritage poultry breeds across the U.S.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The 2026 American Poultry Census, conducted every five years by the American Poultry Association and The Livestock Conservancy, is underway to document rare heritage breeds of chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys across the United States. The census counts only breeding animals, as this population is necessary for breed survival. Poultry breeders and enthusiasts are being called on to participate in the survey, which will remain open through August 1.

Why it matters

The poultry census is fundamental to conservation efforts and assessing the extinction threat levels of endangered poultry varieties. Unlike livestock breeds, there is no registry process for purebred or standardbred birds, necessitating a comprehensive survey every five years to track breeding population activity.

The details

The 2026 census is documenting color and comb varieties within breeds, with a focus on APA-recognized large fowl birds and bantam breeds with no large fowl counterpart. It also includes a few breeds that lack APA recognition but are on The Livestock Conservancy's Conservation Priority List. The survey takes an average of six minutes to complete, and personal information will remain confidential unless participants choose to be listed publicly as a resource for their breed.

  • The 2026 Poultry Census will remain open through August 1, 2026.

The players

The Livestock Conservancy

A national non-profit working to conserve more than 170 breeds of endangered agricultural livestock and poultry.

American Poultry Association

The organization conducting the 2026 Poultry Census alongside The Livestock Conservancy.

Jeannette Beranger

Senior program manager with The Livestock Conservancy, who explains the challenges of conducting a poultry census.

Greenfire Farms

The sponsor of the 2026 Poultry Census.

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What they’re saying

“Unlike many livestock breeds, there is no registry process for purebred or standardbred birds that can be used to indicate breeding population activity. This necessitates a targeted, comprehensive survey conducted every five years, focused on both private and commercial poultry keepers who actively breed birds.”

— Jeannette Beranger, Senior program manager, The Livestock Conservancy (americanagnetwork.com)

“We chose to census APA-recognized large fowl birds and bantam breeds with no large fowl counterpart. Among our goals is to identify older and unique genetics within the poultry community.”

— Jeannette Beranger, Senior program manager, The Livestock Conservancy (americanagnetwork.com)

What’s next

The 2026 Poultry Census will remain open through August 1, 2026, and breeders can submit their information at https://bit.ly/poultry26.

The takeaway

The poultry census is a critical tool for conserving rare and endangered heritage poultry breeds in the United States. By participating, breeders and enthusiasts can help ensure the survival of these unique genetic resources for generations to come.