Divorce Drama in Sichuan: The Case of 53 Chickens, Geese, and Ducks

In a quiet village in Sichuan, China, a seemingly ordinary divorce became an epic standoff over 53 feathered friends. Forget houses, cars, or bank accounts—this couple’s marital fate hinged on 29 chickens, 22 geese, and 2 ducks.

The Feathered Numbers Game

  • Chickens: 29

  • Geese: 22

  • Ducks: 2

At first glance, splitting birds might seem trivial. But in this case, each bird carried emotional, culinary, and economic weight. Yang demanded an equal split. Tu countered, “I fed them every day—I deserve more!”

Mini Case Study – Animal Economics:

  • In rural China, livestock like chickens and geese aren’t just pets—they’re sources of income, eggs, and social currency.

  • A 2018 study in Agricultural Economics highlighted that rural households assign value not only to the animal itself but also to labor invested in raising it. This was exactly Tu’s argument.

The Courtroom Cluck

Judges had to get creative:

  • Geese: Divided by size.

  • Ducks: One each (easy).

  • Chickens: Odd number—tricky.

The judge proposed a culinary compromise: either compensate the extra chicken monetarily or cook it together as a farewell meal.

Cultural Insight:

  • In many Chinese villages, sharing a final meal is a symbol of reconciliation and continuity, even amidst disputes. It acknowledges history while closing the chapter respectfully.

Resolution – A Civil Farewell

The couple chose the chicken dinner. Surprisingly, the process remained cordial:

  • Yang drove Tu to court.

  • They agreed to live independently while continuing mutual support.

Takeaway: Even in legal matters, sometimes compassion and creativity outweigh rigid rules.

Fun Fact for Science & Sociology Buffs

  • Studies in Human-Animal Interaction suggest that disputes over animals often reflect broader social and labor dynamics—not just ownership.

  • In this case, the chickens became a lens into domestic economics, fairness, and negotiation strategies.

Moral of the Story

Divorce isn’t always about dividing assets—it can be about sharing a last chicken dinner, preserving civility, and acknowledging effort.

Next time you argue over something small, remember: 53 birds once paused a divorce for six months… and inspired a meal that ended on a feathered high note.


Kim Hia



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