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What are broiler chickens?

What are Broiler Chickens?

Eggs come from hens raised specifically to lay eggs, but chickens that are raised for meat are called “broilers.” These chickens are typically white, and are bred specifically for optimal health and size to produce a quality product for the consumer.

Broiler chickens are raised in large, open structures called houses, where they roam, explore, eat, and commune with other chickens. Some (including free-range chickens) have varying access to the outdoors, based on farmer preference.

Broiler chickens arrive at the farm at the same time, from the same hatchery, to maintain biosecurity on the farm.

WATCH: Chickens’ First Day on the Farm

About 25,000 chickens live together in each chicken house. It takes a broiler chicken about seven weeks to grow to market weight, and once they’ve reached the right age and size, they’ll all leave together again for processing.

WATCH: Transporting Chickens To Processing

Learn how broiler chickens get from our farms to your table below, and visit our Farm to Table section to learn more.

Follow chicken’s journey from farm to table [infographic]

Find more facts on how the chicken you buy is grown and raised:
Chickens in Cages
There are no added hormones or steroids in any chicken meat
What Do Chickens Eat?
Chicken aren't genetically modified.