Environmental enrichment for commercial chickens improves welfare while being practically feasible in modern systems.
Enrichment for commercial chickens occupies the achievable middle ground between barren industrial housing and fully outdoor systems. Simple interventions — hanging bales, pecking blocks, perches, litter substrate, and natural light — address core behavioral motivations while remaining compatible with commercial operations. These improvements do not require restructuring the entire industry but do require investment and commitment from producers. Evidence consistently shows that enriched commercial chickens show less injurious pecking, use their space more effectively, and display more positive behavioral indicators. Consumer demand for welfare certification creates the market incentive that makes enrichment commercially viable.