Broiler chickens raised for meat face some of the most significant welfare challenges in animal agriculture. Understanding these issues is important for informed consumer choices.
The intensive broiler industry has developed chickens and farming systems optimized for production efficiency at severe cost to animal welfare. Rapid growth rates cause skeletal deformities, heart problems, and ascites that cause pain, immobility, and premature death. Many birds spend their final days unable to walk properly, sitting in ammonia-soaked litter that causes painful hock burns and breast blisters. Despite being sentient animals capable of experiencing pain, fear, and distress, the regulatory minimum standards for broiler welfare are minimal. Higher welfare certification schemes such as RSPCA Assured or Better Chicken Commitment signatories provide meaningfully better outcomes.