Providing environmental enrichment including perches to broiler chickens improves welfare outcomes and reduces the leg problems associated with modern production systems.
Modern broiler genetics prioritizes rapid growth at the expense of mobility and welfare. Birds that can barely walk cannot access perches, enrichment, or waterers effectively. Enrichment provides some welfare improvement but cannot compensate for fundamental genetic issues with fast-growing breeds. Slower-growing breeds that can actually use enrichment represent a more comprehensive welfare solution. For all broilers, enrichment reduces fear responses, increases natural behaviors, and improves psychological wellbeing.