The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries says the current tightening in chicken supplies is temporary, with availability expected to improve in the coming weeks.
The Ministry says it is closely monitoring the poultry sector and engaging producers and other stakeholders amid concerns about the availability of chicken at some retail outlets.
It says the situation is being driven by several factors, including exceptionally hot weather, which has placed additional pressure on local poultry farmers.
As a result, some farmers have reduced the number of birds placed on farms as a measure to protect bird welfare, limit heat-related losses and maintain healthy growth.
The Ministry says chicken remains available to consumers, although some people may experience difficulty obtaining their usual quantities at particular outlets.
Based on current hatchery projections, the Ministry expects an increase in chick availability over the next two weeks.
Those additional birds will then move through the normal production cycle, with poultry supplies expected to progressively increase and return to full levels approximately three weeks later.
The Ministry says it therefore expects the current supply constraints to ease over the coming weeks.