Thank you for contacting me about the killing of day-old male chicks in the egg production sector.
The UK has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and Ministers continue to explore ways to enhance our position as a global leader for animal welfare.
It is my understanding that the killing of day-old male chicks from the egg production sector is used to provide a valuable food source for reptiles and raptors. However, my ministerial colleagues and I are aware that alternatives to culling male laying hen chicks are currently being investigated by a number of research establishments around the world.
A few systems are being used in commercial hatcheries in some EU countries, including France and Germany. I am assured that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will consider the success of these systems, and I will continue to follow this issue closely.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.