Farm Animals

Broiler Litter Quality and Footpad Welfare

The quality of litter in broiler chicken houses directly determines the welfare of millions of birds through its impact on footpad health, respiratory disease, and behavioral opportunities.

Key Facts

Footpad dermatitis affects up to 80% of birds in poorly managed houses
Wet litter from overcrowding and poor ventilation is the primary cause of footpad lesions
Footpad scoring is used as a welfare indicator in EU monitoring schemes
Good litter management reduces footpad lesions, hock burns, and respiratory disease simultaneously
Low-stocking-density houses consistently show better litter quality and bird welfare

Welfare Considerations

Broiler chickens standing on wet, ammonia-laden litter experience chemical burns on their footpads that progress from surface erosion to deep tissue damage if untreated. The pain of severe footpad dermatitis causes gait changes and reluctance to move, reducing access to food and water. Litter quality management is one of the most cost-effective welfare interventions available to broiler producers.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken from farms with footpad welfare monitoring and management requirements
Support certification schemes including stocking density limits that enable good litter management
Advocate for footpad dermatitis monitoring requirements in national poultry welfare regulations
Donate to organizations working on broiler welfare improvement programs
Engage with food businesses about their broiler welfare audit requirements including litter quality