Farmed Poultry Welfare: Broilers, Layers, and Emerging Standards

Poultry farming is the largest animal agriculture sector globally. The welfare conditions of broiler chickens and laying hens have been central to animal welfare campaigns for decades, with significant recent policy progress.

Key Facts

Over 70 billion chickens are slaughtered annually worldwide, with fast-growing breeds reaching slaughter weight in 35-42 days.
Fast-growing broiler breeds suffer cardiac failure, skeletal disorders, and lameness at rates of up to 30% in some flocks.
The Better Chicken Commitment calls for lower stocking density, slower-growing breeds, and improved slaughter standards.
Enriched colony cages for laying hens provide more space and features than conventional battery cages, but welfare remains below free-range standards.
Over 200 major food companies have signed the Better Chicken Commitment globally.

Welfare Considerations

Broiler chickens selectively bred for rapid growth suffer from a range of musculoskeletal and cardiovascular conditions caused by their own body weight. Their welfare is compromised from hatch to slaughter in conventional intensive systems. Laying hens in conventional cages cannot perform essential behaviors including wing-spreading, dust bathing, or perching. Cage-free systems improve welfare significantly but still require good management to prevent disease and aggression. Welfare science is driving progressive reform in the sector.

What You Can Do

Choose higher-welfare chicken products carrying RSPCA Assured, Certified Humane, or organic certification.
Support food companies that have signed the Better Chicken Commitment.
Reduce chicken consumption or shift to plant-based alternatives when possible.
Ask your supermarket what welfare standards apply to their own-brand poultry.
Advocate for mandatory welfare labelling on poultry products.