35 Days vs 60 Days: Why Growth Speed Changes the Chicken

Most commercial broilers are slaughtered at just 35–40 days old—barely more than a month of life. This rapid growth is driven by selective breeding and intensive feeding, but it often causes welfare problems: weak bones, heart strain, and higher mortality. [Our World in Data, 2023]

In contrast, chickens raised over 55–65 days grow more naturally. A 2024 study found that slower-growing strains had better walking ability, stronger immunity, and lower mortality rates compared to conventional fast-growing broilers—even when raised under identical conditions. [Frontiers in Animal Science, 2024]

The takeaway? Faster isn’t always better. Slower growth produces healthier birds and meat with more integrity—showing that time is an overlooked ingredient in chicken farming.