Broiler chickens face severe welfare challenges from rapid growth genetics, but enrichment interventions can meaningfully improve their quality of life even within commercial production constraints.
Broiler chicken welfare sits at the intersection of genetics, housing, and management practices. Even within the constraints of commercial production, enrichment interventions offer meaningful welfare gains. Perches that broilers can use to rest their joints, natural light that enables normal circadian rhythms, good litter management that prevents hock burns, and space that allows movement all contribute to better lives for birds that otherwise experience significant physical suffering. The Better Chicken Commitment framework, supported by hundreds of companies, represents the most significant systemic opportunity to improve broiler welfare through consumer-driven supply chain change.