Broiler Chicken Welfare: The Scale of Suffering

Broiler chickens are the most numerous farmed land animals globally, and their welfare conditions are among the most compromised of any farmed species.

Key Facts

Around 70 billion broiler chickens are slaughtered globally each year
Modern broiler breeds grow so fast that many develop painful leg disorders and cardiovascular problems
Standard stocking densities of 33-42 kg per square metre severely restrict movement
Litter quality problems cause painful hock burns and breast blisters
The Better Chicken Commitment calls for slower-growing breeds, more space, and environmental enrichment
Only a minority of global chicken production currently meets Better Chicken Commitment standards

Welfare Considerations

Broiler chickens have been selectively bred for growth rate to the point where their biology itself causes suffering. Fast-growing breeds develop leg problems, heart failure, and respiratory disease as routine outcomes of their genetics. Welfare improvement requires breed change — a fundamental challenge to the economics of chicken production that requires sustained corporate and regulatory pressure.

What You Can Do

Reduce chicken consumption, particularly from fast food and budget supermarket ranges
Support companies that have adopted the Better Chicken Commitment
Ask your preferred chicken brands whether they use higher welfare breeds
Advocate for minimum breed and space standards in poultry welfare regulations
Share information about broiler welfare to challenge assumptions that chicken is a humane meat choice