Broiler chickens?

twin - mum · Post by **twin - mum** » 27 Aug 2008, 15:10

Just a question that has been niggling at me. Are the chickens bought as free range still babies like the factory farmed meat chickens? i.e. are they still babies and bred to grow fast and die young?
Thanks!
Billie

Post by Mo » 27 Aug 2008, 15:43

I think they mature more slowly (a bit)

Effie · Post by **Effie** » 27 Aug 2008, 17:30

Hi Billie

As I understand it, the breed is not 'designed' to live long life. No matter what their living conditions are. There was a thread on here from someone who had adopted a broiler hen as a pet but it was having health problems as it just wasn't ever supposed to be a healthy adult. I'll see if I can find it, Effie

Chicken on the Hill · Post by **Chicken on the Hill** » 27 Aug 2008, 18:51

http://www.downthelane.net/forum/viewto ... highlight=

Dont know if the above link will work, and I know jreeve has already posted on this subject.(hope this is ok jreeve, but I found it an important consideration). It is a link to a post on chicken slaughter,which also mentions the condition of the breed, how they can still be subject to lameness etc. I would rather have a healthy chicken with a short life, than a lame one. :cry:

Post by **wendy** » 27 Aug 2008, 18:58

I have known a number of people who have 'rescued' broiler chickens. But all had to be put down eventually because of leg and health problems . As said they are not bred to live very long.
The free range egg producers are the same age as the battery girls when their laying life comes to an end as far as commercial premises are concerned.
Wendy

Orfy · Post by **Orfy** » 27 Aug 2008, 19:01

45 days.

DO NOT WATCH IF YOU DON'T WANT TO FEEL SAD ANGRY OR UPSET

I guess you'll have already seen this but here it is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGy9oTfH ... re=related

lorraine · Post by **lorraine** » 27 Aug 2008, 19:56

Ohhh, I'll never understand why animals are treated this way :cry: wish I could just wave a magic wand for the poor things!