Chickens are sensitive to temperature and may be prone to illness. For this reason, adequate housing and healthcare are essential for profitable production. Therefore, most farmers also appreciate their animals for the function they perform as part of the farming operation, and so are also deeply invested in the welfare of their animals.
Moreover, consumers are increasingly concerned about the welfare of animals raised for food and other agricultural purposes. Many consumers want to know that the products they are buying come from farms that prioritize animal welfare and are willing to pay a premium for them. Chickens need to be kept in facilities that provide adequate space, ventilation, and lighting. The guidelines specify minimum space requirements per bird and recommend providing perches and other forms of environmental enrichment to promote natural behavior.
Healthy chickens also generally have clean, shiny feathers, free from mites and lice. If a chicken has dull or discolored feathers, it may be sick. A healthy, happy bird is also active and alert and has a good appetite. Chickens that are lethargic could be sick or stressed. A healthy chicken should have a clean vent area, free from fecal matter or other signs of infection. A healthy chicken will also have a healthy body weight for its breed and age. Chickens that are too thin or overweight may be ill or may not be receiving adequate nutrition.
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