Tesco says it has animals' interests at heart

"Chicken body language is very different from other animals," said Tesco agricultural manager Judith Abrehart.

"The signals they send mean different things."

According to Ms Abrehart, happy chickens speak with a quiet, contented little cheep whereas stressed out chickens shout loudly, with a piercing, persistent squawk.

Posters and videos interpreting common chicken and turkey expressions and movements will be given to Tesco chicken suppliers who are taking part in a 12-month training programme.

"We want every single worker to be able to listen to what each chicken is trying to tell them so they can protect that bird's welfare," enthused Ms Abrehart.

"There is absolutely no reason why any chicken or turkey should have to suffer during its life."

Happy chickens will still end up on shelves

Tesco is funding a £30,000 animal welfare fellowship at Bristol University dedicated to help poultry suppliers understand the latest animal welfare research and to implement new guidelines to protect animals.

Ms Abrehart said Tesco's competitors will also benefit from their efforts because many of the company's chicken suppliers also supply other supermarkets.

"We believe that improving animal welfare across the entire poultry industry is far too important to let commercial rivalry stand in the way," she added.