A “Frankenchicken” would possibly sound like a legendary creature, however these birds are very actual. It’s not an official time period—the meat trade refers to them as fast-growing breeds, usually by the breed identify Ross 308. The label basically refers to chickens which were selectively bred to succeed in slaughter weight as shortly as doable. In Norway, they’re aptly nicknamed “turbochickens.”
Due to their fast progress, these birds are liable to severe well being points. They’ll develop muscular issues and strolling impairments, and a few collapse underneath their very own weight. Within the US, Canada, the UK, and throughout Europe, most chickens raised for meat are fast-growing breeds. However some international locations are starting to rethink the mannequin.
Norway has confirmed it can section out fast-growing chickens totally. By 2027, the nation goals to finish the transition to slower-growing breeds. Animal welfare advocates have praised the “historic” choice; it’s the primary nation on this planet to decide to eliminating fast-growing breeds.
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“It’s one of many biggest enhancements to animal welfare in historical past, and it reveals that the transition away from fast-growing breeds is feasible,” Connor Jackson, CEO of the UK department of Anima Worldwide and founding father of Open Cages, advised New Meals Journal.
Norway isn’t stopping there. The Nordic nation has additionally pledged to finish chick culling—the observe of killing male chicks (who can not biologically lay eggs) shortly after hatching—throughout the egg trade.
The pressing want for higher hen welfare
The observe is widespread. Within the US, roughly 600 million chicks are hatched for the egg trade every year, and about half are culled. Expertise often known as in-ovo sexing, which determines the intercourse of an embryo earlier than it hatches, may substitute chick culling, however adoption stays restricted.
In a 2025 article for The New York Instances, naturalist and creator Sy Montgomery, who wrote What the Rooster Is aware of, urged shoppers to advocate for in-ovo sexing know-how. Some corporations are experimenting with it, she famous, however broader demand is required.
“Go to your native grocery retailer; inform the supervisor you wish to spare male chicks from culling — and that you’ll again your conviction together with your {dollars},” she wrote. “If you happen to increase chickens at house, name the hatchery the place you get your chicks to voice your desire.”
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She added: “We have to contemplate the actual value of eggs not simply to our wallets but additionally to the lives of those pondering, feeling creatures.”
Norway’s transfer marks a big step ahead for hen welfare, and advocates hope different international locations will observe. For shoppers, nonetheless, there’s an alternative choice: stepping away from the meat and egg industries altogether by selecting plant-based alternate options.
At this time, dozens of vegan hen manufacturers provide nuggets, tenders, wings, and different life like meaty choices. And when egg costs surged in 2025, plant-based corporations like Simply Egg stepped in to fill the hole. Many shoppers found that vegan alternate options may maintain their very own.
“Usually, we’re the one egg choice in inventory, creating an unprecedented consciousness alternative within the plant-based class,” Simply Egg CEO Josh Tetrick advised VegNews on the time. “I feel that is a very powerful second for any plant-based product ever. People need their morning omelets and scrambled eggs, and we’re right here with a dependable, planet-friendly alternative.”
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and author primarily based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
