France’s poultry industry faced catastrophic losses during a historic June heat wave, with millions of chickens dying from extreme temperatures. In northwestern France, farmer Isabelle Renaudier’s flock saw 1,500 birds collapse over hours, with a third perishing by the time she opened her shed. Survivors like Sylvia Goisbault, who lost 14 of 700 chickens, are adjusting practices to avoid peak heat during slaughter cycles.

The crisis stems from chickens’ inability to regulate body heat, compounded by broiler breeds engineered for rapid growth, which generate excess internal heat. Industry estimates suggest hundreds of thousands to 2 million birds died nationwide, overwhelming carcass collection systems in regions like Brittany and Normandy. Farmers now face immediate financial strain and long-term adaptation challenges, as climate-driven heat waves become more frequent. The toll on poultry production—France’s top European meat export—highlights systemic risks for agriculture, with implications for food prices and supply chains.