Litter quality in cage-free and free-range poultry systems is directly linked to hen health and welfare. Poor litter management causes footpad dermatitis, breast blisters, and respiratory disease.
Poultry litter management is a critical but often underemphasized welfare determinant in cage-free and free-range systems. When litter becomes wet and compacted, it produces ammonia causing respiratory disease, causes footpad lesions from prolonged contact with caustic material, and provides substrate for bacterial proliferation causing breast blisters. Hens cannot perform dust bathing in wet, compacted litter. Dry, friable litter at 20-25% moisture allows full expression of dustbathing and scratching behavior, contributing positively to welfare. The transition from cage to cage-free systems only improves welfare when litter management achieves good quality. Regular monitoring, ventilation management, and litter turnover or addition are essential management practices.