Intensive Farming

Broiler Parent Welfare and Feed Restriction

Broiler parent birds are severely feed-restricted to control their weight, causing chronic hunger that is one of the most severe welfare problems in poultry farming.

Key Facts

Broiler breeders are bred with the same fast-growing genetics as commercial broilers
Without restriction they become obese and experience cardiovascular disease
Restricted birds receive 25-30% of their ad libitum intake
They show chronic hunger, food-seeking stereotypies, and foraging frustration

Welfare Considerations

Broiler parent birds experience the worst of two welfare worlds: bred for rapid growth causing structural problems, yet severely feed-restricted causing chronic hunger. Feed-restricted breeders show persistent food-seeking behavior, aggression at feeder access, and behavioral indicators of chronic frustration. The welfare dilemma is fundamental to the genetics: solving it requires breeding reform rather than just management changes.

What You Can Do

Support broiler breeding programs developing genetics that do not require feed restriction
Advocate for welfare standards addressing broiler breeder hunger
Reduce poultry consumption to reduce pressure on intensive systems
Learn about the hidden welfare problem of broiler breeder feed restriction