By the 1400s, the Ming Dynasty in China saw the rise of large-scale backyard and market poultry raising, which supported the dense population of urban areas. This practice not only provided a vital source of protein but also contributed to the economy through trade and market sales. The cultivation of poultry during this period reflects the agricultural innovations and social structures of Ming society.

Chickens in Ming Dynasty China around 1400 were featured in classical Chinese poetry as emblems of harmonious village life. Poets like Li Bai and Du Fu celebrated rural simplicity, often intertwining themes of nature and humanity in their verses. This portrayal not only reflected the agrarian lifestyle but also emphasized the philosophical ideals of harmony with nature prevalent in Confucian thought.