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Your Top 10 Chicken Farming Questions Answered

Manitoba Chicken Producers addresses common questions about chicken farming in Canada, covering topics such as housing, feeding, health care, and industry regulations. This resource is valuable for both beginners and experienced poultry keepers.



The article "Your Top 10 Chicken Farming Questions Answered" from Manitoba Chicken Producers addresses common inquiries about chicken farming practices in Canada. Key insights include:

  • Housing: Chickens are raised indoors in climate-controlled barns to ensure comfort and protection from predators and diseases. This environment allows them to engage in natural behaviors such as dust bathing and stretching.

  • Free-Run vs. Free-Range: All meat chickens in Canada are free-run, meaning they can move freely within the barn. Free-range chickens have outdoor access; however, due to Manitoba's harsh weather, there are no registered free-range farms in the province.

  • Diet: Chickens are fed a grain-based diet, primarily consisting of wheat, supplemented with soy or canola meal for protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.

  • Hormones and Steroids: The use of added hormones and steroids in chicken farming has been illegal in Canada since 1965.

  • Farm Ownership: Over 97% of chicken farms in Manitoba are family-owned and operated, adhering to strict national animal care and food safety protocols.

  • Antibiotic Use: Antibiotics are used responsibly and only when necessary to maintain bird health, under veterinary guidance. Regular testing ensures no antibiotic residues are present in the meat.

  • Sustainability: Advancements in farming practices have led to a 37% reduction in the carbon footprint and a 45% decrease in water consumption over the past 40 years.

  • Animal Welfare: Farmers prioritize the well-being of their chickens by providing necessary care, though the relationship differs from that with pets.

  • Local Availability: Manitobans have year-round access to locally raised chicken, as indoor farming allows continuous supply regardless of external weather conditions.


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