Broiler breeder (parent stock) welfare represents a profound ethical paradox: birds selectively bred for maximum growth are maintained at 30-60% of their ad libitum feed intake to prevent obesity-related health and reproductive failure. Restricted broiler breeders show extreme food motivation, stereotypic behaviour, and chronic hunger - demonstrable through qualitative behaviour assessment and cognitive bias tests. Breeders given ad libitum access develop leg disorders, cardiovascular disease, and reproductive failure within weeks. Quantitative feed restriction causes sustained frustration; qualitative restriction (high-fibre, low-energy feeds) may reduce hunger while maintaining body weight. Research demonstrates that slower-growing genetic lines require less severe restriction. The Better Chicken Commitment drives demand for slow-growth broilers, creating opportunity to improve parent stock welfare through genetic selection. Industry is exploring intermediate solutions balancing welfare and productivity.