To meet that demand, Washington farmers grow 10 million more chickens a year than they did 10 years ago. Fryers, or chickens grown for meat, are raised inside spacious houses that provide a comfortable environment and keep them dry and safe from predators and disease. Heaters keep the fryers warm during cool weather. In the summer, fans and fogging systems keep the chicken house moist and cool. Washington fryers have plenty of room to roam around on large floor areas covered with clean, dry wood shavings.
Chickens get regular check-ups by inspectors to make certain they are clean and healthy.
The result of all this careful feeding, breeding and pampering of chickens is tender, flavorful meat. People are eating more poultry than ever before. To meet that demand, Washington farmers raise almost 40 million fryers a year, each bird weighing about 5 pounds. All rights reserved.