Farmed Hen Litter Quality and Foot Health

Litter quality in laying hen and broiler facilities directly determines the prevalence of painful foot pad dermatitis and other contact injuries affecting millions of birds.

Key Facts

Foot pad dermatitis affects up to 80% of broiler chickens in wet litter conditions
Ammonia from wet litter causes respiratory damage and eye irritation across entire flocks
Adequate litter depth, dryness, and composition reduce foot pad lesion prevalence by up to 60%
Wood shavings are preferred litter material; compacted or wet litter from straw causes more lesions
Scoring systems for litter quality and foot pad condition are included in EU broiler welfare regulations
Water management, including nipple drinker maintenance, is critical for litter dryness

Welfare Considerations

Litter quality is one of the most controllable factors in broiler and laying hen welfare, yet remains a persistent problem in commercial facilities. Wet litter containing high ammonia concentrations causes painful contact lesions on feet, hocks, and breasts, while damaging airways and eyes. These are chronic, painful conditions that birds carry silently for weeks or months before slaughter. The solutions are well understood — better drinker management, appropriate litter materials, and adequate ventilation — but require consistent management attention that is not always prioritized in high-throughput commercial settings.

What You Can Do

Support welfare certification schemes that include mandatory litter quality scoring
Advocate for EU broiler welfare directive equivalents in countries lacking litter standards
Choose poultry products from producers demonstrating documented litter management protocols
Reduce poultry consumption from uncertified producers to lower demand on poorly managed systems
Support research into optimal litter management practices for different housing systems