That might not be as obvious as you think. There are studies demonstrating that the parts of the brain that demonstrate consciousness in mammals, evolved before mammal and avian evolution split. With other features co-evolving later on as well.
Some birds are considered sentient now, and as more studies are performed, more and more animals are added to that list. First it was just humans, then all apes, oh and dogs, plus pigs, turns out dolphins too, and parrots, and corvids, etc. etc. etc.
At this point I'd be more surprised if they weren't conscious.
Pretty much what happens in humans when there's no contraception and therefore a new kid every ~year and less food than needed to feed everybody.
Which describes most of humanity's history. Particular care for children and the concepts of childhood and parenting are a rather new phenomenon.