THE LIFE OF CHICKENS
Chickens which produce meat are called broilers. They are the most farmed animals in the EU (millions are raised every year).
There are different rearing systems for broilers. Most broiler chickens are conventionally reared indoors in large poultry houses, on a bedding of chopped straw or wood shavings called litter.
Extensive indoor or “barn-reared” chickens are also grown indoors but benefit from more space to walk around than in conventional systems. They grow more slowly taking at least eight weeks to reach market weight.
Other types of farming provide more space inside or allow the birds to go outside. These other farming types are defined in EU marketing regulations and indicated on the labels of the chicken products in the supermarkets as:
- Free range broiler chickens are from systems which allow birds’ access to the outdoors. (picture 1) There are slightly different conditions laid down for different free-range labels. “Free-range” broiler chickens have continuous day time access to open-air runs mainly covered by vegetation during at least half of their lifetime. They grow for eight weeks to reach market weight.
- “Traditional free range” broiler chickens are raised in small flocks. Each chicken has twice the area outdoors compared with “free range” chicken. From at least six weeks old the chickens have continuous day-time access to open air runs. They grow more slowly taking over eleven weeks to reach market weight. (picture 2).
- ”Free range - total freedom” broiler chickens are reared in the same way as “traditional free range” but have access to an unfenced open-air run.
- “Organic” chickens are kept in a similar system as the traditional free range chickens, but have also been fed with feed which has been grown organically.
Conventional indoor systems provide chickens with nutritious feed and clean water and have fan ventilation to maintain fresh air for the birds. This enables modern breeds of chicken to grow more quickly and most grow to market weight of around 2 kg in under six weeks (picture 3)
Growing up this quick can sometimes provoke problems to the health and welfare of the animals, such as distorted bones and poor resistance to disease. That's why experienced stockmen are trained to avoid these problems and to provide appropriate housing and facilities to the chickens.
The number of chickens in each house depends on the floor area and the ventilation capacity and feeding and drinking facilities in the house. Most conventional houses have around 20,000 chickens but some very large houses accommodate flocks of 40,000 birds. Usually these buildings have lighting instead of windows and have heating for the winter time.
Chickens are generally robust creatures but their health and welfare must be considered and protected in any farming system. Therefore, in the case of intensive farming system, the stockman always pays close attention to a number of factors which include:
Feed and water: providing a healthy diet including cereals such as wheat and maize, added vitamins and minerals and constant access to fresh, clean water. (picture 4)
Temperature: maintaining a reasonably constant temperature for the birds’ comfort. Chickens are sensitive to extreme temperatures when combined with high humidity and can die from overheating.
Air quality: managing ventilation in the house to prevent build up of carbon dioxide, ammonia, and dust produced by the birds, and avoid breathing problems for the chickens.
Litter quality: maintaining the litter in a dry and friable condition. Wet litter can cause skin problems for the chickens and will affect the quality of the air. However, the litter should be not too dry to avoid dust problems in the house.
Space: ensuring chickens have space to move and exercise, in order to be able to eat and drink and to develop bone and leg strength.
Light: providing sufficient light and dark periods for development and sleep.
Careful handling: Treating and handling birds carefully to reduce stress and prevent injury. Stockmen working on chicken farms are usually well trained and know how to handle and catch the animals, as well as how to check them for any problems. Chickens have to be inspected at least twice a day.
You now know a lot about broiler chickens. Remember – they are sensitive birds, so take this into account when you are playing the game!
