Farmed Animals

Broiler Breeder Welfare and Hunger

Broiler breeder chickens — the parents of fast-growing meat birds — are routinely feed-restricted to prevent health problems, causing chronic hunger.

Key Facts

Broiler breeders are genetically selected for rapid growth like their offspring
If fed ad libitum, they develop heart failure, joint problems, and obesity
Feed restriction keeps them healthy but causes chronic hunger and frustration
Restricted breeders show repetitive foraging behaviors indicating hunger stress
Billions of broiler breeders are kept under restricted feeding globally

Welfare Considerations

Broiler breeders face a profound welfare dilemma: the genetics selected for meat production are incompatible with normal feeding in breeding birds. Chronic hunger is a major negative welfare state lasting the entire production life. Solutions require genetic selection away from extreme growth rates, reducing the need for restriction.

What You Can Do

Support consumer and corporate pressure to adopt slower-growing chicken breeds
Advocate for an end to routine feed restriction in broiler breeders
Reduce chicken consumption to decrease demand for fast-growing breeds
Support welfare organizations working on poultry genetics reform
Learn about slower-growing breed initiatives by major food companies