Warangal: The ongoing sweltering heat  has taken a toll on poultry industry. It is estimated that over 60 lakh poultry birds had perished in the two Telugu states. The heavy toll has spiraled skinless chicken prices from Rs 170 a kg to Rs 270, unheard of in the State's history.  

Poultry owners rule out the prices coming down till the current wedding season is got over. The chicken sales plummeted with the increased prices of chicken. The traders say that they have never seen such a steep hike in the prices of chicken during their service. 

According to poultry federation though the chicken prices are ruling high, it will do no good to the poultry industry. The broiler hen took 30 to 33 days to gain two kg weight. Because of sweltering heat, the bird is unlikely to grow fat as earlier. It will take at least two months for the hen to gain weight.  

Chicken feed consumption per hen came down from 100 grams to 60 grams as the poultry birds are drinking more water because of severe heat.