Hot sun and heavy rains have left Trinidad and Tobago consumers facing a chicken shortage.The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries said yesterday the shortage was being influenced by a combination of factors “rather than by a fundamental shortage of production capacity”.“Local weather conditions have also placed significant pressure on poultry production. The exceptionally hot conditions being experienced in Trinidad and Tobago have required farmers to implement additional heat-management measures and, in some cases, reduce the number of birds placed on farms,” the ministry stated in a release.The ministry said it was closely monitoring the poultry sector and engaging producers and other stakeholders amid concerns about the availability of chicken at retail outlets.It said a temporary reduction in placement of chickens on farms was a prudent measure to protect bird welfare, maintain healthy growth and minimise heat-related losses. It also warned that farmers operating at normal capacity could face ­increased mortality and reduced production.“As weather conditions improve, placement levels are expected to ­return to normal,” it noted.The ministry stated it has been advised chicken remains available to consumers, although some consumers may experience temporary difficulty obtaining their usual quantities at particular retail outlets.“Based on current hatchery projections provided to the ministry, an increase in chick availability is expected over the next two weeks.“These additional chicks will subsequently move through the normal production cycle, with poultry supplies expected to progressively increase and return to full levels approximately three weeks thereafter,” the ministry stated.Therefore, it said it expects the current situation to improve over the coming weeks.The ministry also stated it is continuing to monitor local production, hatchery output, imports, weather conditions and other factors affecting the poultry supply chain.“We are also maintaining ­dialogue with poultry producers and other industry stakeholders to ensure that emerging challenges are identified and addressed in a timely manner,” the release stated.It added, “The Ministry recognises the importance of poultry to food security and household consumption and remains committed to supporting the local poultry sector while ensuring that consumers have access to a stable and reliable supply.”Price increase The owner of a San Juan-based depot, who preferred not to be identified, said the situation had not changed since June 27 when the Express last contacted him about the poultry problem for customers.“Nothing has changed since June. The price increases remain, the chickens are still small and now our quotas have been cut. We are getting 50% less than before and the price has increased by 15%,” he said.Since the start of the year, chicken prices have moved from about $6 per pound to more than $9 per pound.A Chaguanas depot owner also reported supply pressures, saying she had warned customers that if the situation continued, they might not be able to get chicken.“Smaller chicken suppliers are under pressure. Arawak seems to now be facing the same pressure because I am now facing problems getting eggs from them,” she said.She said there were fewer small farms hatching chicks and that some were now buying chicks instead.However, she said her prices had not yet increased.President of the Broiler Growers Association Sudesh Ramkissoon yesterday said some farmers were reducing the number of chicks placed in their pens because of the heat. “Chickens have no sweat glands so farmers have to put less in the pens, and because of this customers won’t get the same weight gain. Farmers usually do this during this time but it won’t be a for a long time,” he said.Ramkissoon added that some farmers could also be experiencing water issues, which could be further contributing to the supply constraints.Smaller chicken pieces The shortage is also being felt by food businesses.Woodbrook-based fried chicken restaurant Pappy’s—Home of Brian’s Fricken Chicken said it would compensate customers if they received smaller pieces of chicken.In a social media post, the restaurant said: “Due to the current chicken supply shortage, our usual chicken sizes may be limited over the coming weeks. Don’t worry—if your pieces are smaller than our usual Pappy’s standard, we’ll add extra to make up for it. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work through the shortage...”The latest supply problems follow a shortage reported by the Express in June, when Ramkissoon warned that consumers would feel the pinch from reduced supplies and higher prices.At the time, he said the price of chicken had risen from $8 to $8.50 and then to $9.50 per pound.Checks by the Express yesterday found that consumers were still paying higher prices for poultry.