Broiler Chicken Fast-Growth Welfare Crisis

Modern broiler chickens have been selectively bred to grow so fast that their bodies cannot keep up, causing chronic pain, lameness, and cardiovascular failure in billions of birds annually.

Key Facts

Modern broilers reach slaughter weight in 42 days — chickens in 1950 took 84 days to reach half the weight
Approximately 70% of broilers show measurable gait abnormalities before slaughter
Ascites and sudden death syndrome from cardiovascular stress affect 1-5% of commercial flocks
Birds spend much of their final week lying down because walking is too painful
Slower-growing breeds take 56-70 days to reach weight but show dramatically better welfare outcomes
The Better Chicken Commitment calls for maximum 6 lbs in 62 days and better breed standards
Over 200 major food companies have signed Better Chicken Commitment pledges globally

Welfare Considerations

The broiler industry has created a welfare catastrophe through extreme genetic selection for growth rate. The resulting birds are living with chronic pain from skeletal disorders, cardiovascular disease, and hock burns from inability to move. This suffering affects tens of billions of animals annually. Slower-growing breeds represent the most impactful single intervention available — switching breeds reduces chronic pain prevalence dramatically while adding modest cost per bird.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken products from companies that have signed the Better Chicken Commitment
Ask restaurants and retailers about their broiler welfare standards and breed commitments
Reduce chicken consumption or choose higher-welfare alternatives
Support organizations campaigning for mandatory slower-growth breed requirements
Learn to identify welfare certification labels that include breed and stocking density standards