Did you know that a chicken’s genetics determine how fast he or she grows, and that can impact whether the rest of the bird’s body develops properly, too? Genetics also influence if a bird is able to walk properly, perch, or run and how much pain it will experience in its lifetime.
Every year, more than 9 billion chickens are raised for meat in the U.S., and it is estimated that a whopping 98% of these birds are the same breed: the Cornish Cross. They have been selectively bred by the industry to grow and put on weight at an unreasonably high rate. One study shows that these chickens grow at a rate equivalent to a 2-month-old human baby weighing 660 pounds! This rapid growth causes animal welfare issues, like difficulty walking, muscle damage, foot injuries, skin burns, a strained heart and lungs and poor immunity. These injuries and ailments cause animals to experience a range of pain — pain that is classified as disabling and excruciating — beginning when they are still very young.
These nine billion Cornish Cross birds are bred to suffer, but there are alternative options for farmers and chicken producers to raise instead.
Good News: Breed All About It!
And now, the plot chickens in a good way…
The list of healthier chicken breeds available has just expanded. Global Animal Partnership (G.A.P.) recently added several new breeds of chicken that are slow growing or already approved by a U.K.-based animal welfare certification program. This means there are now more breeds for chicken farms and brands to choose from to avoid the suffering and poor health inherent in Cornish Cross birds.
Cornish Cross birds are bred to suffer but there are alternative breeds that can live better lives.
To find chicken products for people and pets sourced from farms and brands that choose to raise healthier, higher-welfare chicken breeds, look for the “better chicken breed” icon our Shop With Your Heart Grocery List — these are verified by certifications like A Greener World’s Animal Welfare Approved and G.A.P.’s Better Chicken Project.
Hatch Your Plan and Change the System
If you eat chicken or know those who do, share our Shop With Your Heart Grocery List to find the animal welfare-certified brands and supermarkets that offer better chicken breeds. If the chicken brand you are purchasing is not using a healthier breed of chicken, you can politely ask them to start using a healthier breed. You can also choose plant-based chicken, an alternative to help minimize harm to animals.
Finally, join our Factory Farming Task Force! You’ll receive updates on companies making progress transitioning to better chicken breeds.
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