Farm Animal Welfare

Farmed Chicken Transport Distance Welfare

Long transport distances between farms and abattoirs increase stress, injury, and mortality in broiler chickens, with journey time minimisation being a key welfare intervention.

Key Facts

Broiler chickens are typically transported without food or water for their entire journey
Journey times of over 4 hours are associated with significantly increased mortality
Temperature regulation in transit vehicles is critical to preventing heat stress
Inadequate catching, loading, and securing can cause injuries during transit
UK abattoir rationalisation has increased average journey distances significantly

Welfare Considerations

Transport is one of the most welfare-compromising events in a broiler chicken's life. Chickens that have had minimal human contact are suddenly caught, crated, and subjected to vibration, temperature variation, and noise for hours. During this entire period they cannot eat, drink, or perform normal comfort behaviours. Journey time reduction is a meaningful welfare intervention, yet economic pressure on abattoir numbers has lengthened average journeys in the UK.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns to maintain local abattoir capacity to reduce journey distances
Advocate for maximum journey time limits for broiler chickens
Choose chicken products from producers with documented short journey times
Support welfare standards that include transport duration requirements
Engage with food companies about local abattoir commitments