Farm Animals

Poultry Parent Hunger and Welfare

Broiler breeder parent birds are kept in permanent hunger to control weight, causing chronic suffering that is a major unresolved welfare issue.

Key Facts

Broiler genetics selected for rapid growth create obese, unhealthy breeders if fed ad libitum
Feed restriction causes chronic hunger behaviour including stereotypy and aggression
Males and females have different growth trajectories requiring separate management
Some alternative feeding systems reduce hunger while managing weight
Consumer pressure has driven corporate commitments to address breeder welfare

Welfare Considerations

Broiler breeder hunger is one of the most ethically challenging welfare issues in commercial poultry production. The genetic contradiction between growth-optimised offspring and healthy, naturally-behaving parents has no easy solution without breed-level reform. This remains one of the industry's most significant unsolved welfare problems.

What You Can Do

Support Better Chicken Commitment which includes breeder welfare
Advocate for genetic reform addressing breeder health
Raise awareness of parent bird welfare in discussions about poultry