Intensive Broiler Production Welfare Reform

Broiler chicken welfare improvement is achievable through three changes — breed, stocking density, and enrichment — that are increasingly required by welfare certification schemes.

Key Facts

The Better Chicken Commitment requires slower-growing breeds by 2026 in signatory retailers
Slower-growing breeds have dramatically lower leg problems, cardiovascular issues, and mortality
Stocking density above 30kg/m2 is associated with welfare deterioration in multiple studies
Natural light access and enrichment are required by higher-welfare certification schemes
Transition costs for producers are real but consumer willingness to pay supports higher-welfare production

Welfare Considerations

Broiler welfare reform has a clear evidence base and practical pathway: slower-growing breeds with better health profiles, lower stocking densities that allow normal movement, and environmental enrichment that permits dust bathing and perching together constitute a comprehensive welfare improvement. The Better Chicken Commitment aggregates retailer and brand pledges to these improvements, creating market pull that makes transition financially viable. Individual consumer choices for higher-welfare chicken accelerate this transition.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken products from Better Chicken Commitment signatories
Look for RSPCA Assured, Soil Association, or equivalent certification on chicken products
Ask restaurants and food businesses about their chicken welfare sourcing
Support Compassion in World Farming's BCC campaign
Reduce chicken consumption to concentrate remaining consumption at higher welfare standard