Chicks hatch from the egg able to see and walk and feed themselves. To prevent diseases that may affect the chick, vaccinations are given before they leave the hatchery. They are incubated in a separate location.

Large groups of chicks, called a flock, live together in a chicken house. This prevents them from being killed by wild animals. Over 20,000 chicks may live together.

They are raised on the floor covered in dry pine shavings. Here they freely move about, find food and water, and socialize. There is plenty of food! The chicks are allowed to eat as much, good quality feed as they want.

Heat is added to the house because the young chicks don't have enough feathers to keep warm.

As they get older, feathers develop and the heat can be lowered to 70 degrees, which they find comfortable.

The chicken houses are equipped with large fans to provide fresh air to the chicks. Some houses are equipped with a cooling system, much like air conditioning. The chickens are kept until 6 weeks of age.

Chickens are ready for processing -- when they are large enough. Then they are caught and taken to the processing plant, where they are prepared for sale in the grocery store.