chickens

The most farmed animal on the planet is not chickens, pigs, cows or fish: it is prawns.

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Christmas is a time of carols, millions of led lightsnougats, empachos and a particular culinary ‘lore’ in which prawns and prawns are not usually missing. If tomorrow you have the opportunity to taste them during New Year’s Eve dinner, think about the following: what you have before you, on the plate, They are unique animals for humanity. And they are for a very simple reason. There is no other species that we raise more massively, not even chickens. There are those who estimate that approximately 51% of all animals What we have on ‘farms’ are precisely decapods, especially prawns. Prawns galore. If these days (lucky you) you have the opportunity to enjoy a good tray of prawns you should know a couple of things. The first one there are two typesdepending on their origin: there are wild prawns, caught in the ocean and the coasts; and those from aquaculture, which come from specialized farms and play a crucial role to supply the market. These fish farms are also interesting for another reason: they represent the largest farms in the world, at least if we are based on the number of living animals they contain. There are many (many) more breeding animals in them than in farms specializing in chickens, pigs, cows or even insects and fish. Click on the image to go to the tweet. But are there so many? This is what he suggests a study from 2023 that a few months ago rescued in Asterisk Magazine Andrés Jiménez Zorrilla, former investment expert and co-founder of Shrimp Welfare Project (SWP), an organization dedicated precisely to promoting more ethical decapod breeding practices. The report estimates that the planet’s fish farms usually host around 230 billion of these creatures at any given time. To be more precise, between 150,000 and 370,000 million, which exceeds any other known farm animal estimate. Even, the authors clarify, insects. “440 billion (300-620 billion) farmed shrimp are slaughtered each year, far exceeding the number of the most numerous farmed vertebrates used for food production, such as fish and chickens,” specify the articlesigned by Daniela R. Waldhorn and Elisa Autric and published in August 2023 by Rethink Priorites. The photo is completed with the specimens that arrive our months from fishing at sea. Are there more figures? Yes. And they are striking. Although both authors acknowledge that today there is only “partial data”, there are studies that indicate that every year hundreds of thousands of decapods are grown in fish farms on the planet, especially prawns and shrimp, which represent more than 80% of the total. In their report (in English) Waldhorn and Autric generally speak of “shrimp”but when delving into the problems surrounding the aquaculture of these species, both authors provide some extra detail. For example, when listing the species with the highest number of deaths, they specifically cite the P. vannamei and P. monodon. The most correct In Spanish it is to speak of “prawns”, rather than “prawns”. A percentage: 51%. The figures for the aquaculture industry are overwhelming, but they are better understood when compared to those of other sectors dedicated to raising animals in captivity for consumption. Jiménez Zorrilla points out that, in generalregardless of the moment, prawns represent 51% of the total number of animals raised on farms. They are followed at a considerable distance by fish (23%), insects (19%), chickens (7%) and pigs and other livestock (< 1%). Translated into figures, this means that compared to the 230 billion shrimp and prawns that (on average) live in fish farms, there are ‘only’ 779 million pigs and 1.55 billion cattle, 33 billion chickens and 125 billion farmed fish. In case the data were not clear in itself, the activist points out that every year 440,000 million of these decapods are slaughtered for consumption, “more than four times the number of humans who have walked the Earth.” Why is it important? Because Jiménez Zorrilla, like Wadhorn and Austric in their day, do not limit themselves to probing the size of the industry. Its objective is not so much to answer the question of how many shrimp live in the world’s farmers as to draw attention to the conditions in which they develop. “The problem is larger in scale than that of insect farming, fishing or any vertebrate for human consumption,” researchers warn. “If these animals are sentient, current commercial practices pose serious welfare risks during cultivation, handling, sale and slaughter.” Image| Kawê Rodrigues (Unsplash) Via | DAP In Xataka | Prawns, prawns, shrimp, prawns and carabineros: how they differ and which ones are better

Putting four chickens in the yard seemed like a good idea to have cheap eggs. Bird flu just changed the rules of the game

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From November 13, 2025, there is no poultry farm in the country that can be outdoors. With mass confinement, the Government wants to contain the spread of the H5N1 bird flu. And it makes sense: so far this season, 14 outbreaks have already been recorded in poultry, several in captive birds and dozens in wild birds. The problem is everything that falls under the radar. “What do I do with my chickens?” In Spain, at least from 2024, all chickens must be registered. And yes, that includes ‘self-consumption’ chickens; some animals that, according to the data, they represent only 0.77% of the census (but all experts know there are many more). A report from El País from the spring of this year confirmed that “the figures do not reflect reality and that a large part of self-consumers have birds (especially the ISA Brown species) without census.” This has meant that in a context in which self-consumption does not have inspections (and lives unaware of animal health regulation), the doubts and risks have grown exponentially. As Cristina García Casado explained in InfoLibrethe question most frequently asked by veterinarians across the country is “what do I do with my chickens?” And the answer is very simple: confine them. Because the regulations do not understand sizes: a backyard chicken infected by contact with a wild bird can be just as big a problem as any other type of chicken. Or maybe more. After all, the European authorities they continue to qualify the risk to the general population as low; but they raise it to low-moderate for people in direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. Having unmonitored poultry increases the risk to the “civilian” population and if we are realistic we will recognize that they cannot be monitored. The problem has names and surnames: at least when it comes to the flu, all those domestic pens have the same sanitary requirements, but much less infrastructure. The ‘boom’ of homemade eggs. We must remember that this does not happen in a vacuum. The truth is that in recent years we have lived a real ‘boom’ in self-consumption chickens. It is the confluence of the “happy chickens” movements with the response of many citizens to a price that does nothing but go up. According to the National Institute of Statistics, have gone up 15.9% so far this year and, according to the OCUthe growth has been 105% compared to 2021. And, be careful, we are not talking about a luxury product. We are talking about what may be one of the proteins cheaper and more accessible of the world. Faced with this ‘ovoflation’, the accounts are clear: “a hen costs about nine euros, it is easy to raise and maintain with fruit, vegetables and feed, and it lays an egg every 25 hours.” How can there not be a problem? What to do if I have a chicken coop for self-consumption? If we are in that situation (or are thinking about setting up our own domestic corral) there are some things to keep in mind: Whether larger or smaller, the corral must be registered in the REGA (General Registry of Livestock Operations). Implement confinement and biosecurity measures: separate chickens from any contact with wild birds; control inputs and outputs; record all changes in a log book. Improve cleaning conditions, more frequent bed renewal and tightening daily management protocols. Introduce wellness programs to contain the problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle. But, above all, be extremely vigilant. There are many warning signs (apathy, drop in production, high mortality or flu symptoms). Therefore, it is best to be alert. Anything can happen. Image | Finn Mund In Xataka | H5N1 bird flu unleashes a massacre in Antarctica: half of the female seals have already disappeared

Eggs are so expensive in the United States that there are people opting for a desperate solution: rent chickens

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If you have bought eggs these last days, surely there is something that has caught your attention. The price has increased, 25% in some casesand curiously its price is a Good economic thermometer. An increase in the price of eggs affects sectors such as hospitality, pastry, bakery or precooked products, and in the United States escalation The price of eggs is nonsense. And given that crisis of the eggs, there are those who opt for what before it could seem crazy: the rental of chickens. Egg-gate. There are various factors that have led to this situation. One of them is long: a gradual decrease in egg productionbut the problem that has triggered the current situation has a name and surname: Aviar flu. The North American country has been suffering a serious epidemic for months that has left us as discouraging news as the first Mild infections in humans or the First pig spread. Although it is affecting more in the US, other countries, such as Spain, started the year Taking measures To stop an epidemic. 2025 complicated. The avian flu outbreak considerably affected eggs in the country because they have had to sacrifice Millions of laying hens, reducing the offer of eggs in the market and, of course, increasing their price. As if this were not enough, the crisis is not expected to be resolved soon. The United States Department of Agriculture esteem that the price climb will continue during the next months, with increases of more than 40% in the remainder of 2025. Such is the impact that there are already restaurants that begin to charge supplements in their dishes if they carry egg. Solutions. Given the needs and crises, there are those who turn on the bulb. In this case, to whom they have thought about a “And if we set up a laying chickens rental service?” One of those companies is Rent the chickn And, really, the situation is not new. It has been operational for several years And what he offered was the possibility of “renting” chickens and poultry to offer therapies in care centers for elderly or for educational purposes for classrooms. But as if it were a Diaper company in Japanwhere they have seen business is in the possibility of offering a complete package to have chickens to put the breakfast eggs. Chicknbuster. The company does not operate in all states, but in which it is present it offers a service consisting of: Portable chicken coop with two or four chickens that already put eggs and equipped with everything necessary. Sufficient food and advice on their care. And it would be, to produce already to have even a dozen eggs a week with a couple of specimens. Jenn Tompkins is the co -founder of the company and, recently, commented They are living a high season in the business. He price of renting the chickens? About 600 for the kit and two chickens, about 800 for four chickens. And the corresponding food, of course. And it also varies depending on the area and if it is more or less remote … and has a surcharge of 25 dollars per additional week. Compensate? Let’s say that the price of the dozen reaches five stable dollars (it is already at a higher price in some places, but to have a fixed amount). In that case, if they put 12 eggs a week, there are 312 eggs in those six months, united in 26 dozen. Five dollars the dozen, there are $ 130. The accounts do not come out, there is a situation that can compensate: there are establishments that exhaust cargoes in ten minutes. As if it were toilet paper or yeast in pandemicthere is messages In social networks that show that in some shops the eggs fly, so, with your chickens at home, you would not have that problem. Now, seen that there are about 600 dollars for rent for six months, perhaps what compensates is to invest first in a chicken coop and animals … and enjoy the morning eggs without the Caduque rental. Beyond all this, the amazing thing is that all this It arose 10 years ago with a night search on Google of “crazy business ideas.” Image | Rent the chickn In Xataka | In Alicante there is a city invaded by chickens. So you have prepared a plan of 26,000 euros to get rid of them

In Alicante there is a city invaded by chickens. So you have prepared a plan of 26,000 euros to get rid of them

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In the middle of Alicante coast, Torrevieja is known for its beaches, heritage And above all The pink lagoonincreasingly crowded by visitors in search of sunsets Instagrameable of which to presume in networks. However, over the last days this town of 94,800 neighbors He has monopolized headlines for another very different reason: his chickens. Or rather, a curious Gallinacea invasion that has already forced his City Council to take action. Librating from it will not be cheap. An invasion of chickens? Exact. And it’s nothing new. In Torrevieja they have already A few years Seeing how chickens, roosters and chickens bell around the city, walking through parks, gardens, roundabouts, sidewalks and – –The Consistory is resigned– “Any other” bar see place that offers them shelter and food. Recently the municipal technicians began to tell them and they left that in the municipality there are around 700 birds In these circumstances, what is not bad if one takes into account that in Torrevieja they live 94,800 people. A problem with feathers. Seeing chickens walking through the parks and streets of Torrevieja or waking up with the song of the roosters in the city may sound bucolic, but the City Council warns that the gallinaceous invasion is a problem. And not less precisely. “It is a great risk for both animals and people themselves,” ditch. Click on the image to go to Tweet. “These birds today are temporarily forced to inhabit a hostile atmosphere towards them, shared with vehicles and people,” add from the City Council. “When moving and wandering along public roads, parks, green areas and roads in search of food, they suppose a danger to themselves, pedestrians and vehicles, being able to suffer or trigger accidents.” “Made a nursery”. There are more. Recently the sixth interviewed a neighbor From the town that complained about the footprint that chickens, roosters and chickens leave in Torrevieja, a well visible and not especially positive. “It is very unpleasant, everything is made,” regretted. Another of the residents confirmed that “there are many” birds and it is not strange to see them “in the midst of all cars.” In A statement On the subject, the City Council itself admits that the situation has come out of mother and the “wild or careless” birds occupy public places. On two different occasions it comes to speak directly of an “uncontrolled” increase and argues the need to take measures to “avoid possible damage and conflicts” with the neighbors. The figure: almost 30,000 euros. Faced with such a scenario, the town hall has decided to cut for the healthy and launch a campaign to capture and remove the gallináceas who have settled in Torrevieja. For that purpose it has just launched A public tender in which he is looking for companies interested in taking care of the campaign. The bidding base budget offered is 26,296 euros, VAT included. Taking into account that it aspires to ‘hunt’ up to 700 birds, that leaves an average of more than 30 euros for each chicken and caught. And what will they do with them? The city council is very clear. Speak at all times of “LIVE COLLECT” and then “move” to the chickens. Where to? So that? The municipal statement does not specify it, although the mayor He explained The sixth that the idea would consist of capturing birds with food and networks, “without causing any damage.” The same chain clarifies that the City Council plans that the captured specimens end up in a school farm. What the Councilor for Animal Welfare of Torrevieja, Concha Sala, has done is insist that society is increasingly sensitized “given the need to guarantee animal protection in general.” The contract offered by the City Council not only contemplates the capture and transfer of the 700 chickens loose by the town. It also includes monitoring and control work during the entire time that the service lasts, which will last about 12 months. With previous experience. It is not the first time that Torrevieja is forced to take measures to stop the “uncontrolled” population of gallináceas who camp in their parks. A few years ago, In 2022already planned a similar campaign to remove 500 roosters and chickens from the streets, roundabouts and parks of the municipality. The idea was then the same: act in a dozen points of the town and move the birds to farms schools and sanctuaries, without harming them. All to solve a peculiar poultry invasion that the City Council blames “Circumstances” that does not come to specify in its statement. What are they? There are those who point out that the expansion of the chickens is related to their sale in the markets of the municipality and who says that the birds arrived in Torrevieja for an initiative of the City Council itself. Whatever the exact cause, something is clear: birds seem to feel especially comfortable there. Images | Henrique S. Ruzzon (Unsplash) and Jesús Dehesa (Flickr) In Xataka | Half the Canary Islands created an artificial beach to attract tourism. Without knowing it, he set up a sanctuary for angel sharks

lock all chickens

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We are surrounded. Or, rather, the aviar flu has us surrounded. With positive in France and Portugal, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food knows that it is a matter of time that the positives explode in Spain. The mission is now to delay everything that can. What does the ministry say? They don’t walk around: “In recent months, outbreaks of high pathogenicity avian influence in poultry, captive and wild (…) in the central and northern area of ​​Europe.” And the situation has gone worse. “In particular, in recent weeks there has been an increase in the number of cases detected (…) indicating a tendency to worsen up of the situation with the consequent increase in risk for Spain,” they continue. All that, “make it advisable to increase the level of risk nationwide and apply risk mitigation measures.” What implies all this. In terms of measures, the ministry has launched a whole series of measures: things such as prohibiting the “breeding of ducks and geese with other species of poultry”, the “breeding of poultry out of the outdoor” or even, even, even “Give water to corral birds from water tanks to which wild birds can access.” However, the standard opens the door to the use of birds or other devices that prevent the entry of wild birds. An inconvenience … necessary. Will we not be exaggerating? As Eloy Ureña, responsible for the Poultry Sector of the COAG, said In eldiario.es“The ministry’s decision can be an inconvenience for those who have layers, but it is worse to have a positive, because they die and because they suppose a relevant loss for exploitation.” And, of course, we are not talking about a futures. And it is not because, right now, the world lives the greatest outbreak of this flu ever registered. That gives us examples for almost everything. In the US, without going any further, the uncontrollable virus sprouts They have caused a shortage of eggs As you don’t remember. In California, without going any further, the dozen has reached 8.97 dollars: the average price of a dozen in the country in January 2002 was 1.93. In Portugal, the sacrifices have already begun and the risk that the wick pledge in Spain is larger every day that passes. Images | Rowan s | Chris Boland In Xataka |

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