“Cull” in chickens refers to the process of removing less desirable birds from a flock to improve overall health, productivity, or genetic quality.
Culling chickens refers to the practice of removing and killing birds from a flock, typically for economic or health reasons. While the term sounds clinical, the reality involves mass killing methods like maceration (grinding alive), suffocation, and cervical dislocation. This controversial practice is standard in industrial poultry operations worldwide.
Why Farmers Cull Chickens
Chickens get culled for several key reasons:
- Male chicks in egg production: Over 300 million male chicks are killed annually in the U.S. alone since they can’t lay eggs.
- Declining egg production: Hens get culled after 1-2 years when egg production drops, despite having 5-8 year lifespans.
- Disease outbreaks: Entire flocks get culled during avian flu outbreaks – over 58 million birds in 2022.
- Injuries or illness: Individual birds with broken bones or infections often get culled rather than treated.
The Economics Behind Culling
Feed costs drive most culling decisions. A Farm Forward study found it costs $2-3 to raise a meat chicken but only $0.10-0.20 to cull unwanted chicks. This explains why male layer chicks get killed immediately rather than raised for meat.
Common Chicken Culling Methods
Maceration (Grinding)
Day-old chicks get placed on conveyor belts leading to industrial grinders. The AVMA considers this “humane” if done under 1 second, but videos show some chicks surviving initial blades.
Ventilation Shutdown (VSD+)
Used during disease outbreaks, this involves sealing barns and adding heat/CO2. Chickens die from heat stroke and suffocation over hours. A 2021 study found 97.9% mortality rate with this method.
Cervical Dislocation
Neck-breaking used for individual birds. Proper technique is critical – a humane processing guide shows the correct method for small-scale operations.
| Method | Used For | Time to Death |
|---|---|---|
| Maceration | Day-old chicks | Instantaneous (when done correctly) |
| VSD+ | Mass depopulation | 2-3 hours |
| CO2 Gassing | Small groups | 2-5 minutes |
Ethical Alternatives to Culling
Some countries and companies are implementing alternatives:
- In-ovo sexing: Germany mandates this technology to identify male eggs before hatching.
- Dual-purpose breeds: Some farms raise males for meat, though slower growth makes it less profitable.
- Extended laying cycles: Better nutrition can extend productive lifespans to 3+ years.
Backyard chicken keepers often avoid culling through better flock management and treating individual birds.
The Future of Chicken Culling
Pressure is growing to reform culling practices. The European Union plans to ban chick culling by 2027, while U.S. states like California are considering similar legislation. Technological solutions like in-ovo sexing could reduce but not eliminate culling entirely.
For small flock owners, understanding culling helps make informed choices about sourcing chickens and managing flocks humanely. Whether you raise chickens for eggs, meat, or companionship, being aware of industry practices allows for more ethical decisions.