Broiler Enrichment Program Design

How enrichment programs for broiler chickens can improve welfare outcomes within intensive production systems.

Key Facts

Broiler chickens are typically raised in large, barren sheds with minimal environmental complexity
Perches, bales, and pecking objects are simple enrichments that improve broiler welfare
Lighting programs that provide natural light variation improve activity levels and behavioral expression
Slower-growing breeds show more natural foraging, dustbathing, and social behavior than fast-growing lines
Enriched environments reduce footpad dermatitis and hock burns associated with immobility

Welfare Considerations

Broiler enrichment addresses the severely impoverished environments that characterize intensive chicken production. Simple environmental additions including straw bales for perching, pecking objects, and natural light access significantly increase activity levels, reduce lameness-related inactivity, and improve behavioral diversity. Enrichment programs benefit from being designed around natural broiler behavior including pecking, foraging, and occasional perching. The growing Better Chicken Commitment standard includes minimum enrichment requirements that are raising baseline welfare across major producer networks.

What You Can Do

Support the Better Chicken Commitment and retailers committed to its standards
Choose chicken from producers with certified enrichment programs
Learn about broiler welfare to advocate effectively for production system reform
Advocate for enrichment mandates in national poultry welfare legislation