Litter quality is a critical determinant of broiler welfare, directly affecting footpad dermatitis (FPD), hock burns, breast blisters, and respiratory health. Wet litter elevates ammonia concentrations, causing ocular irritation and respiratory damage. European monitoring programmes reveal FPD prevalence ranging from 5–60% across flocks, with scoring systems guiding flock-level interventions. Litter management science identifies stocking density, ventilation, drinker design, and litter material as key variables. Pelleted litter amendments (aluminium sulphate, zeolite) reduce moisture and ammonia. Feed formulation (reducing dietary protein and potassium) influences litter moisture. Welfare improvement programmes set FPD scoring thresholds as farm entry criteria for premium markets.