Hock burns

Hock burns are marks found on the upper joints of chickens and other birds raised on broiler farms. These marks are where the ammonia from the waste of other birds has burned through the skin of the leg, leaving a mark. Many meat processors now remove these marks as they discourage customers. Hock burn normally does not surpass 15% of a flock, according to poultry industry standards, but independent studies have found incidents of hock burn more common. Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that hock burn could be identified in 82% of chickens sold in supermarkets.

See also

• Battery cage
• Broiler
• Factory farming

External links

• Compassion In World Farming broiler farming campaign

• Welfare plea over supermarket chickens. Manchester Evening News. 25 July 2005.
• Broom, D. M.;Reefmann, N. Chicken welfare as indicated by lesions on carcases in supermarkets. British Poultry Science. 4 August 2005.