Broiler chickens have been selectively bred for rapid growth, creating serious welfare problems. Reform movements are pushing for slower-growing breeds and better housing conditions.
Broiler welfare represents one of the most significant animal welfare challenges by scale. The genetic selection for extreme growth rate has created a welfare crisis embedded in the standard commercial bird: birds struggle to walk, rest uncomfortably on damaged hocks, experience cardiovascular strain from rapid growth, and often die from sudden death syndrome before slaughter. These are not individual management failures but systemic consequences of breed selection. Reform through the Better Chicken Commitment addresses this at the breed level — switching to slower-growing breeds eliminates many of the worst welfare problems regardless of other housing conditions. Combined with lower stocking density, natural light access, enrichment (perches, pecking objects, litter), and improved slaughter methods, the commitment represents a meaningful welfare improvement for billions of birds. Implementation has been slower than pledged by many signatories, and advocacy organisations conduct annual company progress tracking. Consumer and investor pressure continues to be the primary driver of corporate commitment.