Providing environmental enrichment to broiler chickens reduces lameness, improves activity levels, and supports natural behaviors. Enrichment is increasingly required by higher welfare standards.
Broiler chickens in conventional production live in barren environments that frustrate their behavioral needs and contribute to the lameness epidemic that affects the majority of fast-growing birds. Enrichment — straw bales for perching, pecking objects, natural light, and litter access — does not compensate for genetic welfare problems but meaningfully reduces their impact. More active birds develop stronger legs; dustbathing access reduces stress behaviors; natural light improves circadian regulation. Enrichment requirements are now standard in most higher welfare certification schemes, demonstrating that the industry can deliver welfare improvements when market incentives or regulatory standards exist.