Each year, 9 billion chickens are slaughtered for meat in the U.S.  Chickens are social, animated animals turned into a product for consumption.  They are bred at alarming rates, and fed hormones to grow far beyond their normal growth rate.  Sometimes, their growth occurs so quickly, their legs do not develop fast enough to support their weight.  They typically live in warehouse-like buildings, crowded among as many as 20,000 other chickens.  Forced to walk over each other, many end up with scratches and sores, posing risk for infection.

Chickens face serious health problems when confined to these conditions.  Not only are these warehouses a breeding ground for bacteria, the floors are covered in waste from the chickens, rarely getting cleaned.  Ammonia levels rise due to the waste, which creates further health issues such as difficulty breathing.  Rapid growth hormones contribute to heart and lung failure.  Oxygen is unable to circulate properly.  Chickens are sent to slaughter after just 6-7 weeks as they are considered market weight.

Once arrived at the slaughterhouse, chickens do not have any laws protecting them.  They may be slaughtered while still fully conscious, meaning they are fully aware while their throats are slit and are thrown into electric water baths.  Not only is this cruel to the animal, it poses threat to the humans that consume them.  In a study in 2006, 55% of chicken meat was found to contain arsenic.  Arsenic is commonly found in the feed given to chickens, and is still present in the meat humans are provided.  Apart from chemicals, chicken meat is high in saturated fat and cholesterol.  Chicken meat also contains HCAs (heterocyclic amines) and PhlP (2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazopyridine) – both linked to the development of cancers such as breast and prostate cancer.  A Consumer Reports analysis found that 83% of fresh chicken in the U.S. contained campylobacter or salmonella.  E. coli could be detected in as much as 65% of chickens in a study from the USDA.

Chicken may seem like a healthier choice compared to some other meats, although there are some serious downfalls.  The best option is to eliminate it from your diet altogether.  This may be difficult for some, so reducing serving size or frequency of serving is a good way to start.  Do you think it will be difficult to eliminate chicken meat from a diet?  Or with the proper information, is it relatively easy?  Can you think of any replacements for chicken in your meals?