Position on Alternatives to Male Chick Culling - 2023

Globally, an estimated 6.5 billion newly hatched male chicks are culled each year as they are considered surplus to the egg industry since they cannot lay eggs. This is a major ethical issue for the egg industry and reflects wider concerns over the highly specialised selection of poultry for high meat or egg production and the welfare issues associated with this.

Increasing consumer concern has led to some recent changes in legislation in Europe and increased research efforts into viable alternatives.

Read the summary and scientific review on the alternatives to male chick culling.