The chicken industry is often misunderstood as a single entity, but the reality is that hens laying eggs are not the same as chickens raised for consumption. Broiler chickens, raised specifically for meat, have different farming conditions and production cycles than layer hens.
According to Tom Super of the National Chicken Council, broiler chickens are raised on separate farms in distinct industries with different time frames. Layer hens, on the other hand, typically begin laying eggs after 18 weeks and can remain productive for up to a year or longer.
In contrast, broiler chickens have a shorter production cycle, usually lasting around six to eight weeks before being led to slaughterhouses. This difference in cycle length contributes to their lower exposure to viruses like bird flu.
The fluctuations in egg supply due to the recent bird flu outbreak can be attributed to these distinct production cycles and management practices. Tyson Foods’ recent projections of a 2% increase in chicken production for its 2025 fiscal year suggest that the company’s strong biosecurity measures are paying off.
However, it is essential to note that chickens are susceptible to avian influenza, but not all equally. Factors such as age, geographic location, and relation to migrant bird flyways can influence a chicken’s susceptibility to the disease. Effective biosecurity practices on farms and different housing styles also play a crucial role in mitigating this risk.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/02/08/bird-flu-eggs-chickens