Farmed Animals

Broiler Chicken Enrichment and Welfare

Environmental enrichment for broiler chickens reduces welfare problems associated with barren housing and high stocking density.

Key Facts

Perches reduce foot pad dermatitis by providing raised resting areas away from litter
Straw bales and rope-based pecking objects reduce feather pecking and boredom
Natural light exposure improves leg health and reduces skeletal disorders
Slower-growing breeds use enrichment more actively than fast-growing commercial breeds

Welfare Considerations

Enrichment cannot fully compensate for stocking density and genetic welfare problems in fast-growing breeds, but it provides measurable welfare improvements within current systems. Perches, ramps, and substrate enrichment reduce disease and injury rates while allowing more natural locomotion and foraging behavior. Enrichment is most effective when combined with slower-growing genetics.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken carrying higher-welfare certifications requiring enrichment provision
Support the Better Chicken Commitment requiring enrichment as a minimum standard
Advocate for enrichment requirements to be embedded in national broiler welfare codes
Ask chicken brands what specific enrichment they require from their suppliers