Growing

11/09/05

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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.

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This site was last updated 10/17/05

 
Send mail to Alan@Britishchicken.com with questions or comments about this web site.