Farmed Animals

Environmental Enrichment for Farmed Chickens

Chickens in enriched environments show dramatically better welfare outcomes; enrichment is increasingly required under progressive welfare standards.

Key Facts

Chickens in enriched systems have stronger bones and fewer injuries
Perches increase activity levels and reduce foot problems
Pecking objects and foraging materials reduce feather pecking
Natural daylight access improves multiple welfare indicators simultaneously

Welfare Considerations

Chickens are active curious birds that naturally spend 50-60% of their day foraging. Barren sheds prevent natural behaviors, leading to boredom, aggression, and feather pecking. Simple enrichments including perches, pecking objects, bales of straw, and windows significantly improve welfare and are cost-effective for producers to implement.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs and chicken certified to enrichment-based welfare standards
Advocate for mandatory enrichment requirements in poultry systems
Support research identifying the most impactful enrichment types
Engage with egg producers and retailers to require better welfare standards