Leg problems are among the most serious welfare issues in commercial broiler chicken production, affecting billions of birds annually and causing significant pain and mobility impairment.
Leg disorders in broilers represent a massive, largely preventable welfare crisis. The fundamental driver is extreme selective pressure for rapid weight gain, which exceeds the capacity of skeletal development. Lame birds experience chronic pain that affects their ability to feed, drink, and engage in natural behaviors. Research consistently shows that lame chickens actively seek pain relief, confirming that their condition involves genuine suffering. Switching to slower-growing breeds (such as those meeting the Better Chicken Commitment), reducing stocking density, and improving litter quality can dramatically reduce leg disorder prevalence. Consumer and corporate purchasing decisions are a primary driver of change.