Welfare Issues with Transport of Day-Old Chicks

Authors

Abstract

In the United States, more than 9 billion chickens and 250 million turkeys are raised and slaughtered annually for food. Virtually all broiler chickens (those raised for meat) and turkeys come from strains produced by four and three primary breeding companies, respectively. Within several hours after hatching, the chicks are typically relocated from the hatchery or breeder farm to the commercial grow-out facility via ground and air transportation. Small hatcheries also send chicks to backyard “hobbyists” via U.S. Postal Service delivery. Unless carefully controlled and properly managed, transport—whether by truck or plane and regardless of scale, commercial or specialty—can subject newly hatched chicks to substandard environmental conditions that may be detrimental to their welfare and even result in death.

Recommended Citation

(2008) "Welfare Issues with Transport of Day-Old Chicks," Agribusiness Reports: Vol. 2008, Article 7.
Available at: https://www.wellbeingintlstudiesrepository.org/agreports/vol2008/iss2008/7