Broiler Parent Welfare Chronic Hunger

Broiler breeder chickens are deliberately food-restricted to control body weight, causing chronic hunger that is a severe and widespread welfare problem.

Key Facts

Broiler breeders are fed only 25-30% of what they would eat voluntarily to prevent obesity
Chronic food restriction causes persistent hunger throughout the productive lives of these birds
Stereotypic behaviors including feather pecking and aggression are associated with food restriction
Alternative management approaches including qualitative restriction have been explored

Welfare Considerations

Broiler breeder chronic food restriction represents one of the most serious and widespread welfare problems in poultry production. Birds that are perpetually hungry engage in food-seeking behaviors and show physiological and behavioral indicators of chronic stress. These are the parents of the billions of commercial broilers produced annually, meaning their welfare affects an enormous number of birds. Developing alternative management that reduces hunger is an important welfare priority.

What You Can Do

Support research into broiler breeder management alternatives that reduce chronic hunger
Advocate for welfare standards addressing broiler breeder feed restriction
Choose poultry from breeds that reduce breeder feed restriction requirements
Support breed welfare standards requiring consideration of parent stock welfare