ChickenOut

My third week in a factory farm

I’m lying in soiled litter

We are still sitting, sleeping and toileting in the same litter that was here on the first day. As I am getting very heavy and my weight is difficult to carry, I’ve spent the past week mostly lying in my own mess. The soiled litter stings me and I have nothing to do or anywhere else to move to. I’m tired and struggle to breathe fresh air.

FACT CHECK:
In an intensive broiler system, the quality of the air and litter deteriorates quickly. The chickens also become increasingly inactive due to their increasing body weight and lack of space in the shed. The lack of movement and poor litter can result in the development of painful sores on the birds’ breasts and legs. These can develop into breast blisters, foot-pad dermatitis, hock burns and possibly other infections. The birds also find it increasingly difficult to walk, and may become lame as their body weight increases.

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In the free-range farm – another chicken’s third week

Life's fun when you're free

I have been at my free-range farm for three weeks now, I’ve started to venture outside quite a bit now and enjoy feeling the breeze through my feathers. I like to spend my day running around and exploring. Pecking through the grass is so much fun and you can often catch a juicy titbit to munch on!

FACT CHECK:
On a free-range farm, the birds have access to an outdoor range during the daytime, and at three weeks of age they are spending increasing amounts of time ranging outdoors. They forage for food and exercise, which means that they can express very important natural behaviour. The birds also have a high appetite at this stage of their development, but unlike the chickens on an intensive farm, they are growing more slowly which means they don’t have the same health problems and are far more active at this stage of their development.