The Food Animal Initiative (FAI) in Oxford is working to improve the lives of farm animals, including chickens used for meat (broilers). Research shows that many broiler chickens spend the last 20% of their lives in chronic pain because of leg problems.  

Selectively bred to be big and meaty, at least a quarter become lame because their skeletons cannot support their extra weight.  Providing simple perches for the chicks to exercise upon is proving to be part of the solution, helping chicks to have fun while growing stronger bones.

Said Mike Gooding, MD of FAI (left): “We spend a lot of time just watching our animals' behaviour because they tell us so much. 

“Many of the farming systems used today were designed with insufficient understanding of animal behaviour and welfare. This is important both for the animals themselves and as a response to society's growing concern for our treatment of fellow sentient beings. 

“At the heart of livestock agriculture, one thing remains constant - the fundamental needs of the animals in our care.”

“As people learn more about the sentience and needs of other animal species, they care more. Today, consumers are acting on it.”
- Mike Gooding, MD of Food Animal Initiative

For more information on Food Animal Initiative, go to www.fairfarms.co.uk

Tapping into the minds of chickens...

Wide open skies mean a potential threat from predators like hawks	A canopy of leaves feels safe	Jungle Gyms for Chicks Five-day-old broiler chicks have fun jumping on and off their 'jungle gym’ and strengthen their legs in the process!