Farm Animals

Welfare of Broiler Chickens During Transport

Transport is one of the most stressful experiences in a broiler chicken's life, involving handling, temperature extremes, and social disruption.

Key Facts

Broiler chickens in the US are transported without food or water for up to 12 hours
Mortality during transport averages 0.1-0.5% but represents millions of birds
Temperature stress during loading and transit is a major welfare concern
Catching and loading causes acute stress and physical injury
Modified atmosphere systems are being explored to reduce stress

Welfare Considerations

Broiler chickens experience fear, pain, and thermal stress during transport. Catching involves rough handling that causes bruising and broken bones. Overcrowding in crates restricts movement and increases temperature. Research shows elevated stress hormones throughout the transport process. Birds too weak to stand are trampled. These harms occur to billions of birds annually.

What You Can Do

Support higher welfare standards in poultry transport regulations
Choose meat from farms with certified higher welfare standards
Advocate for mandatory stunning before slaughter to reduce suffering
Support research into less stressful transport methods