Poor litter quality in broiler houses causes footpad dermatitis and hock burns in chickens, representing preventable welfare harm through moisture and ammonia management.
Footpad dermatitis from wet, ammoniated litter represents a widespread but largely preventable welfare problem in broiler production. Lesions develop from prolonged contact with moist litter and cause pain that affects movement and behavior. Good litter management - adequate ventilation, appropriate stocking density, nipple drinker maintenance - keeps litter in conditions that prevent lesion development. Footpad scoring as a welfare audit measure creates accountability for producers and has driven improvement in countries where monitoring is systematic.