Simple environmental enrichments can significantly improve broiler chicken welfare by providing opportunities for natural behaviors, reducing stress, and improving health outcomes during their short lives.
Broiler chickens in barren environments have no outlet for natural exploratory, foraging, and comfort behaviors, leading to boredom, aggression, and stress. Even simple enrichments — straw bales, hanging objects, platforms — dramatically expand behavioral repertoire and reduce signs of chronic stress. The implementation of enrichment is among the most cost-effective welfare improvements available.