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.
Factory farmed chickens
Free range chickens
Organic chickens
Birth
Natural life expectancy
Farming Practices
Unsuitable Shed Density
Chickens are packed into sheds at a rate of up to 19 birds per square meter of space
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Indoor Rearing
Birds live their whole lives in sheds with no outdoor access or natural lighting
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Fast Growing Breeds
Chickens are selectively bred to grow at two to four times their natural rate leading to health issues
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Starvation
Fast growing birds that can't move perish because they are unable to access food and water
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Foot Rot
Birds feet and legs are burnt by faeces that build up on the uncleaned shed floors
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Heart and Circulation Failure
Pressure on birds bodies from fast growth leads to heart failure and death
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Unsuitable Flock Size
Birds cannot exhibit their natural "pecking order" behaviour because flock sizes are too large
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No Water Access
Semiaquatic ducks with no access to surface water are unable to express their natural behaviours
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Early Deaths
Birds die before being sent to slaughter because of the low welfare conditions they are raised in
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Non-stun Slaughter
Birds throats are cut without first being stunned in an electric water bath or gas chamber
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Unsuitable Transport
Chickens are transported during hot temperatures that are known to cause distress and suffering
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