Farm Animals

Broiler Chicken Breed Welfare and Mobility

Standard broiler breeds are selected for rapid growth that compromises leg health and mobility, driving industry reform toward slower-growing welfare breeds.

Key Facts

Fast-growing broiler breeds reach slaughter weight in 35-42 days
Leg disorders affect up to 30% of standard broilers by slaughter age
Slower-growing breeds take 56+ days but show significantly better mobility
RSPCA and Better Chicken Commitment standards require slower-growing breeds
Consumer campaigns have driven major retailer commitments to welfare breeds

Welfare Considerations

Genetic selection for rapid growth has created chronic welfare problems for billions of broiler chickens annually. Breed reform is the single most impactful intervention available.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken certified under the Better Chicken Commitment standard
Support supermarket commitments to higher-welfare broiler breeds
Reduce chicken consumption or choose plant-based alternatives