Ross 308
The Ross 308 is a breed of fast-growing broiler chicken. They reach a 2.3 kg weight in around 35 days. They are widely used globally. They are controversial due to higher rates of health issues. Some animal rights and animal welfare groups, such as L214 and Open Cages, have called for the industry to switch away from the Ross 308. However, some researchers note that if chicken consumption isn't decreased at the same time, such a move might risk higher land usage, more chickens slaughtered, and worse crowding in CAFOs.
| Life Span | 5-10 years |
| Weight | 2-5 kg |
What to Know Before Buying a Ross 308
Finding a responsible Ross 308 breeder requires more than browsing classified ads or responding to social media posts. The USDA requires any breeder who sells chickens commercially — especially those selling online or through third-party dealers — to hold a federal license and submit to regular inspections. A legitimate breeder should be willing to provide their USDA license number, invite you to visit their facility, and show you where the animals are housed and socialized.
Before committing to a purchase, ask the breeder for veterinary health records, vaccination documentation, and any genetic testing results relevant to the Ross 308. Reputable breeders will also ask you questions in return — about your living situation, experience with animals, and ability to provide long-term care. A breeder who asks no questions and is eager to ship an animal immediately is a significant red flag.
Use the search tool below to check whether any USDA-licensed facilities breeding Ross 308s appear in our database. If they do, review their inspection history carefully. Look for patterns of violations, pay attention to severity levels, and compare their compliance grade with other breeders in the same state. This due diligence takes minutes and can save you from supporting a facility with documented animal welfare problems.
Looking for a Ross 308 breeder?
Search our database of USDA-licensed facilities to find inspected breeders and check their compliance history.
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