International Respect for Chickens Day is observed on May 4, 2026, to promote compassion, awareness, and humane treatment of chickens worldwide. This is a day close to our hearts at Richard Taylor Fine Art as we have rescue hens, ourselves. They are ex commercial hens that would have gone to slaugher at 17 months but, if lucky enough to be rehomed, go on to enjoy retirement and a life of freedom instead. 

International Respect for Chickens Day is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about the welfare, intelligence, and cognitive complexity of chickens. It encourages people to treat chickens with respect, recognize their social and emotional capacities, and advocate for more humane farming practices. The day also promotes the benefits of a plantbased or vegan lifestyle,   highlighting alternatives to using chickens for food.  Chickens and indeed Cockerels, the male bird often killed at birth as they dont lay eggs, are highly intelligent  and social animals. They can recognize over 100 individual faces, communicate with at least 24 distinct vocalizations, and even demonstrate problem-solving skills and empathy. Despite this, billions of chickens are raised annually in industrial farming conditions that often involve overcrowding, debeaking without anesthesia, and limited mobility. The day emphasizes that chickens are not merely food sources but sentient beings deserving of respect and ethical consideration.


Andrew Law (1873-1967)

Portrait of a Cockerel in a Barn

This absolutely lovely Scottish oil painting is by noted animal artist Andrew Law. Painted circa 1920, the composition is of a cockerel in a barn, stood by an empty silver dish. This handsome fella is a Rhode Island Red, like in the old Kellog’s advert.  His large red comb and wattles are magnificent. His plumage is beautifully depicted with the dark curly feathers of his tail and some iridescent green feathers under the bright orange on his back and more golden feathers on his shoulders. One can clearly see his spurs on his legs and the detail of the scales. His colours stand out beautifully against the dark of the barn and in contrast to the smooth, shiny surface of his food dish. If you like cockerels this is for you, a super Scottish animal oil painting and an excellent example of Law's work. It was an exhibited work at Glasgows Paisley Art Institute. 

Signed lower right.

Provenance Paisley Art Institute label verso.

Click the link below for this painting
https://www.richardtaylorfineart.com/artist/andrew-law/portrait-of-a-cockerel-in-a-barn