British chicken is not grown in cages
From the studies that we have done and surveys conducted, it would appear
that some of our British public think that chicken is grown either in dark
cramped condition or worse still, that they are all reared in small cages.
It is important that chicks are grown in the best conditions as
possible. The animal welfare codes in the UK stipulates that at no time should
the live weight on the floor exceed 34kg/m2 in the interests of welfare and good
management. Stocking density need to be reduced in the summer and special
precaution have to be taken when it hot. These are usually by way of extra
fanning and water misting of the atmosphere.
The key to all animal farming is good stockmanship. A good stock
person is constantly monitoring the birds and house conditions.
At day old, the temperature in the house starts at about 32 C
and reducing 2 C a day down to a final temperature of 18 - 21 C at 35 days.
Achieving the correct temperature is only part of what is needed. The best
growing conditions will be achieved in conjunction with the correct relative
humidity.
When the humidity of the house is maintained between 50 and 70%
RH, it will keep the litter/bedding in good condition. It is difficult to
maintain the constantly changing conditions manually and computers in modern
housing control the environment. Constantly changing the air in the building to
achieve a nice living environment for the birds.
Every day the internal house temperature, humidity, water
consumption and mortality, will be recorded. Feed deliveries and the type, which
varies according to the age of the bird, any vaccine or medication given, for
what it was given, how long a period it was given over, how much was given and
most importantly the brand, etc will be recorded on that day for that day.
The British chicken industry is making sure the consumer has the
safest possible food and this record keeping does not stop at the farmer. The
people that produce the breeders, the baby chicks, the feed that they eat and
the factories that process the chicken we eat, will all be keeping records,
traceabilty records,
Fact
:- Farmers in Britain follow strict animal
welfare rules and have to allow at least 10.5 sq ft for 17 chickens. There are
no such rules in Thailand and Brazil.