Trendy Mixed-Breed Dogs and Laying Hens Draw Most Online Interest in Slovenia

Slovenians are increasingly turning to the used goods market, with online classifieds platform Bolha reporting a nearly 50% surge in interest over the past year. This growth is not confined to specific sectors but is evident across the board, encompassing household appliances, sports equipment, collectibles, and agricultural items. Klemen Petelin, Bolha's marketing manager, noted this widespread increase reflects the uncertain global market conditions influencing local purchasing habits.

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Growth is no longer limited to individual categories. We see it practically everywhere, from household appliances to sports equipment, collectibles, and agriculture.

The platform has seen a notable rise in listings and interest for livestock. Cattle advertisements jumped by 159%, horses by 110%, small ruminants by 105%, and poultry by 85%. While the sale of animals is booming, the platform flags concerns about the sale of puppies, often without pedigrees, raising questions about the health and welfare of the parent animals. The most viewed ad in the first half of the year was for cockapoo puppies, a popular crossbreed that is sometimes bred irresponsibly by some sellers, with prices often exceeding those of purebred dogs with health certifications.

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This indicates that more and more Slovenians are apparently deciding to raise their own chickens and achieve greater self-sufficiency. Fresh homemade eggs have become a good investment for many, and at the same time, chickens are no longer just a characteristic of the countryside but are increasingly found in the gardens of family homes.

Alongside trendy dog breeds, laying hens have captured significant online attention, ranking just behind crossbreed puppies in viewership. Petelin suggests this indicates a growing number of Slovenians are opting for backyard chicken coops to achieve greater self-sufficiency and access to fresh, homegrown eggs. These birds are no longer confined to rural settings but are increasingly found in suburban gardens. The data highlights a curious trend: despite the constant search for new technology, animals, particularly hens, continue to generate more online interest than the latest smartphones, suggesting a persistent connection to more traditional or practical pursuits.

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This is one of those figures that surprises every year. Although we search for the latest technology online every day, animals still attract the most interest. Apparently, it holds true that chickens can still beat even the latest smartphone.