Environmental enrichment for broiler chickens can dramatically improve welfare outcomes at relatively low cost. Research shows that simple additions transform behavioral repertoires and reduce suffering.
Broiler chicken welfare is among the most tractable large-scale welfare problems — small, inexpensive interventions produce measurable improvements for billions of individuals. Adding straw bales creates perching and pecking opportunities that trigger natural behavioral sequences. Providing pecking objects reduces injurious pecking and boredom-related behaviors. Natural light improves both behavioral activity and leg health. These interventions cost producers very little but produce significant welfare improvements as measured by behavioral diversity, activity levels, and physical health indicators. Some major retailer welfare commitments now require enrichment elements, demonstrating market-driven adoption of better practices.