Big hatcheries of backyard chickens in the United States are culling male chicks.

Why do they do this?

Large hatcheries cull (kill) many male chicks every year, and even some hens who do not sell. They do this because roosters are less popular as you cannot have them in some places, you can only have a certain number per number of hens (depends on breed, and your rooster), and roosters have a reputation for being loud and aggresive. They are more concerned with money than with the lives of these chicks who did not sell, or were born roosters.

Why is it wrong?

I think this is pretty obvious, but I will say it anyways. People need to value life more than profit. Also, if you were not already convinced that this is wrong, chickens are actually highly intelligent and affectionate animals, even being compared to dogs. They grieve, feel pain, and even empathy. It is especially wrong because they tout themselves as the best in the business. They should set a higher bar for other companies.

What can I do?

You can:

• Sign this petition

• Share the message with other people

• Educate other chicken keepers about these hatcheries 

• Contact the hatcheries about this

Which hatcheries to contact?

These are the largest hatcheries with the most impact.

Meyer hatchery:

info@meyerhatchery.com

(Worth mentioning that they do give away any un sold chicks, not the males, though.)

Murray McMurray hatchery:

515.832.3280 (text)

Have any more? Send them to me! 

Thanks to The Chick Hatchery for not needing to be told to have humane practices! ☆