The Better Chicken Commitment is a set of corporate welfare pledges that, if fulfilled, would substantially improve welfare for billions of broiler chickens globally.
The Better Chicken Commitment represents a significant welfare improvement opportunity for one of the most welfare-compromised populations of animals globally. Broiler chickens raised under conventional genetics suffer from chronic lameness, cardiovascular problems, and skeletal issues caused by extreme growth rates. Switching to slower-growing breeds eliminates the majority of these problems, as these birds' bodies can support their growth rate without systemic breakdown. The BCC also addresses environmental conditions - minimum space requirements, litter quality, light quality, and enrichment - that further improve welfare outcomes. Corporate pledges that are met and verified represent market-wide change at a scale that individual purchasing decisions cannot achieve alone. Holding companies to their commitments through consumer pressure, investor advocacy, and monitoring by welfare organizations is essential for converting pledges into welfare improvement.