Environmental enrichment significantly improves the welfare of commercially kept poultry by enabling natural behaviors including foraging, dust bathing, perching, and exploration. Evidence-based design maximizes uptake and effectiveness.
Commercial poultry often live in environments that severely restrict the range of natural behaviors they are highly motivated to perform. This behavioral restriction is a significant welfare cost even when physical needs are met. Enrichment must be thoughtfully designed for both uptake and durability — novelty effects wane, requiring rotation of enrichment types. Structural enrichment (elevated platforms, curtains, visual barriers) that persists throughout the flock cycle provides the most consistent benefits.