Categories of poultry include:
- Chickens: Chicken is the most popular poultry species in Australia, used for both meat and egg production. The term 'broiler' or 'meat chicken' is used to describe a chicken grown for meat, while 'layer' is used for chickens grown and maintained for egg production.
- Turkey: The turkey is a domesticated variety of an American wild bird and is quite popular in Australia, primarily for meat products.
- Duck: Ducks, sometimes grouped with geese as waterfowl, are popular and have an established part in Australian menus.
- Goose (Geese): Goose meat is popular in some cultures and some demand has been developed in Australia. Geese are also often kept as ornamental birds or as 'watch geese'.
- Game birds: These include pheasant, guinea fowl, quail, partridge, and squab pigeon. Quail eggs, in particular, are very popular. These species are not as efficient as chickens in converting feed into meat or eggs but have a special appeal.
- Ostrich: The ostrich industry has grown recently in Australia due to the international market for ostrich hides. Ostrich eggs can be used for decorating, and their meat, oil, and feathers all have some value.
- Emu: This native Australian bird competes with the ostrich and is known for valuable oil, considered to have medicinal properties. The hides, meat, and eggs of emus are also of value.