Environmental enrichment for broiler chickens reduces problem behaviours, improves leg health, and provides evidence of positive welfare states even in commercial settings.
Commercial broilers in barren environments do not move more than necessary because excess movement in their rapidly growing bodies causes discomfort. Perches and elevated resting areas encourage more active behaviour and develop muscle mass that supports better skeletal health. Foraging substrates engage the investigatory behaviour that broilers are strongly motivated to perform. Enrichment is cost-effective, improves multiple welfare outcomes simultaneously, and demonstrates that positive welfare states are achievable in commercial settings.