UK broiler farmers adjust to chain feeder ban

Several RSPCA Freedom Food chicken producers are contemplating their future with the standard following a ban on the use of chain feeding equipment.

The ban, which came into effect on January 1, means any producers still using chain or track feeders must replace them with pan feeders instead. However, many producers with older houses are struggling to comply with the ban, due to the massive capital costs incurred.

The RSPCA says the ban has been in the pipeline since 2007, and any producers replacing worn out chain feeders since 1997 have had to install pan feeders instead.

The decision to prohibit track feeders was based on information from industry, producers and practical experience, and centred around two key concerns, says the RSPCA's broiler chicken specialist, Dr Marc Cooper.

Track feeders can pose a risk to bird welfare, especially chicks, as they can become trapped in the drive unit as well as becoming injured by the track mechanism itself. Track feeders can also impede the movement of the birds around the house. Pan feeders avoid any of those issues, said Cooper.

Laying hens and pullet raisers remain unaffected by the ban, due to the different breeds of chicken used and the different shed layouts..

The NFU said the ban is unnecessary, and has written to the RSPCA asking for the rules to remain unchanged.