In France, a record-breaking heat wave led to the unexpected deaths of millions of chickens. On June 23, temperatures soared inside a poultry shed in northwestern France, killing 1,500 chickens within hours. Isabelle Renaudier, a farmer raising chickens for supermarkets and butchers, found a third of her flock dead.

Chickens are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat. They cannot sweat and are covered in feathers, making them more prone to overheating. When temperatures rise excessively, chickens begin to pant, which, while a means of cooling down, dehydrates them and drains their energy.

Even chickens that grow slowly and roam outdoors, such as those raised by the Renaudiers, are at risk. However, broiler chickens bred in the large-scale poultry industry face additional challenges. These chickens reach full size in just five weeks and have a fast-burning metabolism, making them run hotter.

This tragic incident highlights a significant issue. While these chickens are bred to meet the demand for lean, affordable meat, they struggle to survive in a warming world.

“It broke my heart,” said Isabelle Renaudier, reflecting the emotional toll on farmers.

Another farmer, Sylvia Goisbault, also grappled with the impact of the heat. Observing the situation, she plans to alter her timeline next year to avoid having chickens ready for slaughter during the summer months.