Farm Animals

Broiler Breeder Chronic Hunger

Parent chickens bred to produce broiler offspring are kept permanently hungry to prevent the health problems of their fast-growing genetics.

Key Facts

Broiler breeders are feed-restricted to 60-70% of ad libitum intake throughout life
Unrestricted feeding causes cardiovascular failure, lameness, and premature death
Restricted birds show persistent hunger-related behaviors throughout their lives
This welfare problem is unique to fast-growing broiler genetics
Slower-growing broiler breeds have parent stocks that do not require severe restriction

Welfare Considerations

Broiler breeders live in a state of chronic hunger imposed to prevent genetic health problems caused by selection for rapid growth. They are frustratingly food-motivated while being systematically underfed. This represents a profound and intentional welfare failure inherent to the broiler production model.

What You Can Do

Support adoption of slower-growing broiler genetics that eliminate this problem
Advocate for corporate commitments to the Better Chicken Commitment
Choose chicken products from welfare-certified slower-growing breeds
Raise awareness about this largely unknown welfare crisis
Support research on genetics solutions that eliminate forced restriction