Lesson 3: Poultry Farming: The Plight of Chickens and Turkeys

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Poultry farming is a significant part of the global agricultural industry, focusing on the production of meat and eggs from chickens and turkeys. However, the conditions in which these birds are kept often raise serious animal welfare concerns. This article details the life cycle of broiler chickens and egg-laying hens, covering issues such as debeaking, overcrowding, and the short lifespan of these animals. We will provide examples from the United States, Thailand, and the United Kingdom to illustrate these issues.

Conditions in Poultry Farms

Overcrowding: One of the most pressing issues in poultry farming is the extreme overcrowding of birds. In the United States, for example, about 64% of the over 309 million egg-laying hens are confined to barren battery cages. These cages are so small that the birds cannot perform natural behaviors such as stretching their wings, nesting, or dust bathing. This overcrowding leads to high levels of stress and injury among the birds.

Debeaking: To prevent aggressive behaviors caused by overcrowding, poultry farmers often resort to debeaking, a process where the tips of the birds’ beaks are removed. This procedure is painful and can lead to long-term issues with eating and drinking. In Thailand, debeaking is a common practice in both broiler and egg-laying hen farms.

Short Lifespan: The life cycle of broiler chickens is incredibly short due to selective breeding for rapid growth. These chickens are typically slaughtered at just 6-7 weeks old. In the United Kingdom, broiler chickens are bred to grow so quickly that their legs often cannot support their body weight, leading to severe mobility issues.

Case Studies

United States:

• Egg-Laying Hens: The majority of egg-laying hens are kept in battery cages, which severely restrict their movement and natural behaviors. These conditions lead to high levels of stress and physical ailments.

• Broiler Chickens: Broiler chickens are bred for rapid growth, resulting in a short lifespan and numerous health issues, including heart and skeletal problems.

Thailand:

• Debeaking: The practice of debeaking is widespread in Thailand, affecting both broiler chickens and egg-laying hens. This procedure is used to prevent cannibalism and aggressive behaviors in overcrowded conditions.

• Overcrowding: Poultry farms in Thailand often house thousands of birds in confined spaces, leading to high stress levels and increased susceptibility to disease.

United Kingdom:

• Broiler Chickens: In the UK, broiler chickens are bred to grow at an unnaturally fast rate, leading to severe health issues. These chickens often suffer from leg deformities and heart problems due to their rapid growth.

• Egg-Laying Hens: While there have been improvements in welfare standards, many egg-laying hens are still kept in conditions that do not allow for natural behaviors, leading to stress and health problems.

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