Why Are So Many Chickens Dying Before We Eat Them?

Have you ever stopped to wonder about the journey of that chicken nugget you’re about to enjoy? While the United States consumes an astonishing number of chickens annually, an equally staggering number never make it to the dinner table. According to a new analysis by Animal Equality, approximately 597 million chickens in the U.S. died in 2021 before they could even grace a plate. That’s not a typo: nearly 600 million chickens. This figure represents a whopping 6% of the 9.8 billion chickens raised for consumption each year. So, what’s going on behind the scenes of America’s favorite meat industry?

The Unseen Waste: Where Do These Chickens Go?

It’s unsettling to think that these chickens, destined for our tables, end up as waste. But what happens to them? They often meet their end in landfills, incinerators, or pet food factories. Some perish at hatcheries shortly after birth, while others succumb to poor living conditions on farms. The grim reality is that the poultry industry expects a significant mortality rate, which is factored into their profit models. Sean Thomas from Animal Equality highlights a distressing truth: the industry often overlooks individual chicken welfare. The dead birds are seen as collateral damage in the pursuit of profit.

What’s Behind the Rising Mortality Rates on Farms?

The spotlight often falls on infectious diseases and the birds’ rapid growth rate when we explore why so many chickens are dying prematurely. Interestingly, since the 1950s, poultry producers have been breeding chickens to grow faster and larger. This has led to what some critics refer to as “Frankenchickens,” which are too heavy for their own legs. Imagine trying to walk with oversized weights strapped to your feet—a harsh reality for many chickens, leading to injuries, dehydration, and often death.

Moreover, the industry’s reduced use of antibiotics—driven by a need to curb antibiotic resistance that impacts human medicine—has inadvertently increased chicken mortality rates. Between 2013 and 2023, as chickens were bred to grow even bigger, on-farm mortality continued to rise, despite stable antibiotic usage.

Can We Balance Human Health and Chicken Welfare?

Perdue Farms, a notable exception in the poultry industry, offers a glimmer of hope. Despite the challenges, Perdue has committed to antibiotic-free production, achieving mortality rates lower than the industry average. How did they do it? By cleaning up breeding operations, adjusting feeding regimens, and allowing birds to reach a slightly lower market weight, Perdue has shown it’s possible to prioritize both animal welfare and human health.

Is Slower Growth the Key to Healthier Chickens?

Many animal advocates argue for a shift to slower-growing chicken breeds. Such a change could significantly reduce the birds’ suffering and potentially improve their survival rates. While Perdue has taken steps in this direction, the rest of the industry has been slow to follow suit. The question remains: is it time for a more profound transformation in how we approach poultry farming?

What Role Does Regulation (or Lack Thereof) Play?

The poultry industry operates in a largely unregulated environment, especially compared to beef and pork production. Chickens receive no federal protection across various stages of their lives, from hatcheries to farms and slaughterhouses. Meaningful regulations could significantly reduce mortality rates and improve animal welfare, yet the industry continues to operate with minimal oversight.

The Future of America’s Poultry Industry

As consumers, we have power. We can drive change by demanding more from the poultry industry—more transparency, better animal welfare practices, and sustainable production methods. While some companies like Perdue are making strides, the challenge is far from over. The path to balancing consumer demand, ethical farming, and animal welfare is complex but necessary if we hope to transform the hidden food waste into a more sustainable future.

In the end, the chicken industry’s ongoing game of optimization isn’t just about the bottom line. It’s about addressing the ethical and practical concerns that come with the territory of our food supply. As we savor our next chicken meal, perhaps it’s worth pausing to consider the unseen costs and what we, as informed consumers, can do to influence positive change.