Farm Animals

Poultry Ammonia Exposure Welfare

High ammonia levels in poultry houses cause painful respiratory and eye problems for birds that are chronically exposed throughout their lives.

Key Facts

Ammonia levels in poultry houses frequently exceed 50 ppm and can reach 200 ppm
Regulatory limits of 25 ppm are often unenforced
Ammonia causes chemical burns to respiratory tracts and eye ulcers in birds
Broiler chickens raised in high ammonia develop blisters on feet and breasts

Welfare Considerations

Chronic ammonia exposure causes significant ongoing suffering in poultry through painful respiratory irritation, eye damage, and skin lesions. Birds cannot avoid the contaminated air of their confinement. Improved ventilation, litter management, and stocking density reductions can substantially reduce ammonia levels and the associated suffering.

What You Can Do

Support poultry welfare standards that include ammonia limits
Advocate for enforceable air quality standards in poultry facilities
Choose chicken from certified welfare programs requiring monitoring
Reduce chicken consumption or choose products with higher environmental standards