Farm Animals

Farmed Chicken Enrichment Standards

Providing meaningful enrichment to broiler chickens improves welfare indicators without necessarily reducing production efficiency.

Key Facts

Broiler chickens spend up to 80% of time lying on litter in intensive systems
Pecking objects and perches are used when provided but rarely mandated
Higher welfare breeds explore and use enrichment significantly more than standard breeds
Enrichment provision is a differentiating factor in higher welfare certification programs

Welfare Considerations

Broiler chickens in barren intensive systems are unable to express a meaningful portion of their behavioral repertoire. Enrichment provision is not just welfare improvement but enables chickens to be chickens — to explore, perch, and interact with their environment in ways that constitute positive welfare experiences.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken products certified to include enrichment provision requirements
Advocate for enrichment mandates in broiler welfare legislation
Support research on broiler enrichment preferences and use patterns
Engage with supermarket buyers about enrichment requirements in their welfare standards