Farm Animals

Broiler Chicken Welfare Reforms

Broiler chickens are the most numerous farmed animals on Earth, and significant welfare improvements are achievable without major cost increases.

Key Facts

Over 70 billion broiler chickens are raised and slaughtered annually worldwide
Modern broilers have been bred to grow so fast their legs and hearts often fail
Standard stocking densities give each bird less than a piece of A4 paper of floor space
The Better Chicken Commitment sets science-based welfare standards for broilers
Over 400 companies have signed onto the Better Chicken Commitment globally

Welfare Considerations

Fast-growing broiler breeds experience chronic pain from lameness caused by their rapid skeletal growth. Studies show they spend most of their time lying down due to leg pain by their final weeks. Switching to slower-growing breeds, reducing stocking density, and providing enrichment like perches and pecking objects significantly improves welfare at relatively modest cost increases.

What You Can Do

Support companies that have signed the Better Chicken Commitment
Choose products from Certified Humane or Global Animal Partnership certified farms
Ask fast food chains about their broiler welfare commitments
Reduce chicken consumption or substitute plant-based alternatives
Support research into slow-growing breed transitions