Chickens
Chickens are remarkably intelligent, possessing sharp memories, problem-solving abilities, and a wealth of natural instincts shaped by their evolution as descendants of dinosaurs. Each chicken has a distinct personality, displaying complex social behaviors and emotional depth. Sadly, factory farm conditions deny chickens the freedom to express these instincts and individuality, confining them in overcrowded, unnatural environments that stifle their true nature and well-being.
Chickens Used for Eggs
Separated at Birth
upon hatching, Males and female chicks are seperated through genetic manipulation. Males will be a different color than the female chicks. Male chicks, being considered useless in the egg industries because they do not lay eggs, are culled within the first hours or days of being born. In the US, around 300-350 million male chicks are culled each year.
Mutilations for Young Chicks
Within the first few days of life, chicks entering the egg industry are subjected to painful mutilations like debeaking, toe clipping, de-spurring, and cutting off their combs, all typically done without pain medications.
A Life of Confinement
Chickens, both in battery cages and so-called “cage-free” systems, are housed in cramped spaces where their basic needs are routinely ignored. Battery cages are extremely small and typically house 4-10 birds per cage. Each chicken is usually given 67-86 sq. in. of space, or about a sheet of paper. “Free Range” is misleading, since most of the birds raised on free range farms live inside barns, tightly packed in by the thousands and still have little space.
The End of a Cycle
After living a life in confinement and stress, all chickens used for eggs will inevitably go to the slaughterhouse when their egg production starts to dip. This is typically around 12-18 months old. Around 300 million chickens are used for egg production each year.
Chickens Used For Meat
Unnatural Growth
Chickens used for meat production, typically the Cornish Cross, are subjected to unnatural rapid growth, which leads to a series of health issues.
Painful Existence
Skeletal and mobility issues are common due to the rapid growth outpacing bone development, making bone breaks a common issue. Heart and organ failure are also common due to accelerated growth and high stress environments.
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Short life lived
Most chickens are slaughtered around 6-9 WEEKS old. Making for short and painful lives for these beautiful birds. In 2023, the U.S. slaughtered 9 billion chickens for meat production. That’s more than the entire population of humans on earth.