Enriching the environment for broiler chickens improves their welfare significantly. Perches, pecking objects, and natural light allow expression of natural behaviours in commercial flocks.
Standard broiler production causes widespread welfare deficits through selective breeding for growth speed and provision of barren environments. Broilers bred for maximum growth suffer leg deformities, cardiovascular strain, and chronic lameness — conditions documented to cause pain that reduces resting and normal activity. Environmental enrichment studies consistently show that broilers use enrichment items such as perches, bales, and hanging objects extensively when provided, demonstrating unmet behavioural needs. Natural light cycles reduce the continuous lighting that contributes to chronic stress. Higher-welfare broiler systems combining slower-growing breeds with enriched environments and natural light produce demonstrably better welfare outcomes measurable through gait scoring, post-mortem pathology, and behavioural indicators. Consumer and retailer demand for Better Chicken Commitment standards is accelerating industry transition.