Farm Animals

Broiler Chicken Parent Flock Welfare Advances

Broiler breeder (parent flock) chickens face severe welfare challenges from feed restriction protocols that cause chronic hunger throughout their productive lives.

Key Facts

Broiler breeders are feed-restricted to 40-50% of ad libitum intake to control weight
Quantitative restriction causes chronic hunger that is the most significant welfare concern in poultry production
Qualitative restriction using high-fibre low-energy diets can reduce hunger while managing weight
Slower-growing broiler parent breeds have fewer restriction requirements
EU legislation has not yet specifically addressed broiler breeder feed restriction

Welfare Considerations

Chronic hunger in broiler breeders represents one of the most severe ongoing welfare problems in commercial poultry farming. Alternative approaches exist and are being adopted but require industry-wide commitment and regulatory support to achieve scale.

What You Can Do

Support retailers and brands committed to Better Chicken Commitment including parent flock welfare
Advocate for EU and UK legislation specifically addressing broiler breeder hunger
Choose products from breed lines with lower restriction requirements
Learn about the broiler breeder welfare problem as a key issue in poultry welfare