Broiler Chicken Welfare: The Scale of the Challenge

Broiler chickens represent the largest single welfare challenge in animal agriculture. Around 70 billion are raised annually, with most experiencing significant welfare compromise.

Key Facts

Approximately 70 billion broiler chickens are raised for meat annually worldwide
Modern fast-growing breeds reach slaughter weight in 35-42 days — half the time of slower breeds
Fast-growing breeds suffer high rates of leg disorders, cardiovascular problems, and skin lesions
Studies show fast-growing breeds spend much of their time lying down due to discomfort
Higher-welfare slower-growing breeds (Ranger breeds) take 56-80 days to reach slaughter weight
Broiler Chicken Commitment signatories including major retailers are transitioning to better breeds

Welfare Considerations

Broiler chicken welfare is compromised at scale by selective breeding that prioritizes growth rate over bird health. Fast-growing breeds gain weight so rapidly that their legs, hearts, and lungs cannot keep pace. Chronic leg pain causes birds to spend long periods lying on litter that causes hock and breast burns. Sudden death syndrome from cardiac arrest affects significant proportions of fast-growing flocks. The welfare gap between fast-growing commercial breeds and slower-growing alternatives is scientifically well-established. The Better Chicken Commitment and similar retailer pledges are driving industry transitions to higher-welfare breeds with meaningful impact at scale.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken products from brands signed to the Better Chicken Commitment
Look for higher-welfare labels including RSPCA Assured, Certified Humane, or equivalent
Reduce chicken consumption from lowest-welfare conventional producers
Support campaigns requiring slower-growing breeds in commercial chicken production