Animal Care
Every chicken counts
All Canadian chicken farmers follow a mandatory Animal Care Program to provide a high standard of care for their flocks. Healthy chickens are happy chickens.
The chicken care checklist
All 2,800+ of our chicken farms follow the Raised by a Canadian Farmer Animal Care Program — a credible standard with a strong set of program requirements, regulations, enforcement measures and third-party audits.
It’s mandatory in all 10 provinces to ensure that chickens are properly cared for at every stage of their life. Here’s how:
Each year, all farm workers are required to sign and commit to a bird welfare code of conduct.
Chickens can eat and drink freely, and their diets are tailored to meet health requirements and nutrient needs.
From temperature to air quality and proper lighting, the chickens’ environment is continually monitored with automated sensors as well as hands-on observation.
Chickens are always handled gently to minimize stress or injury, and are checked on at least twice daily for health, behaviour and body condition.
A flock health plan is devised and adhered to and daily records are taken. Sick or injured birds are cared for or compassionately euthanized by trained staff.
Learn more about the 80 mandatory program requirements that 100% of our chicken farmers follow, from environmental controls to bird monitoring and handling.
“We have a comprehensive and meaningful chicken welfare policy. We all agree that mistreatment of animals has no place in society today.” 
Cameron WilliamsonCanadian chicken farmer
The future will always be chicken friendly
Get acquainted with some fast facts about the program’s commitment to animal welfare and responsible farming practices.
The Animal Care Program was established in 2009 by Chicken Farmers of Canada and is rooted in scientific research and industry best practices.
Each chicken farm is audited annually by highly trained auditors to ensure compliance with welfare standards and there’s no minimum passing grade. 100% of the requirements must be met for farms to be certified.
The program is mandatory in all 10 provinces, ensuring participation from all 2,800+ chicken farmers in Canada. Provincial boards may use monetary penalties, a reduction in allocation or license suspension as measures of enforcement.
The Animal Care Program promotes continuous improvement in chicken welfare through education, training and collaboration with industry stakeholders.
Look for The Logo
Next time you’re in your local grocery store, keep an eye out for the Raised by a Canadian Farmer logo. It’s how you know your chicken was raised right.