Animals in British Farming

Chickens are the most consumed animal in the United Kingdom with approximately 1.12 billion bred each year. Most flesh is produced from broiler chickens with the remainder coming from egg laying hens that are no longer considered profitable.

Living Conditions

Almost all chickens are raised on factory farms

Age at Death

All chickens are killed at a fraction of their natural lifespan

Factory farmed chickens

35 days

Free range chickens

56 days

Organic chickens

81 days

Birth

Natural life expectancy

Method of Death

A majority of chickens are put into gas chambers and then their throats are cut

Farming Practices

Unsuitable Shed Density

Chickens are packed into sheds at a rate of up to 19 birds per square meter of space

In British farming

Legal

Flock Culling

Birds seen as weak or unprofitable are killed and discarded

In British farming

Indoor Rearing

Birds live their whole lives in sheds with no outdoor access or natural lighting

In British farming

Legal

Fast Growing Breeds

Chickens are selectively bred to grow at two to four times their natural rate leading to health issues

In British farming

Legal

Starvation

Fast growing birds that can't move perish because they are unable to access food and water

In British farming

Legal

Foot Rot

Birds feet and legs are burnt by faeces that build up on the uncleaned shed floors

In British farming

Legal

Heart and Circulation Failure

Pressure on birds bodies from fast growth leads to heart failure and death

In British farming

Legal

Unsuitable Flock Size

Birds cannot exhibit their natural "pecking order" behaviour because flock sizes are too large

In British farming

No Water Access

Semiaquatic ducks with no access to surface water are unable to express their natural behaviours

In British farming

Early Deaths

Birds die before being sent to slaughter because of the low welfare conditions they are raised in

In British farming

Legal

Non-stun Slaughter

Birds throats are cut without first being stunned in an electric water bath or gas chamber

In British farming

Unsuitable Transport

Chickens are transported during hot temperatures that are known to cause distress and suffering

In British farming

Common during summer

Thank you for taking the time to read this page. We believe the exploitation of animals is an important issue and wish to get this message out to as many people as possible.