Environmental enrichment in broiler chicken housing improves welfare by encouraging natural behaviors, reducing lameness, and increasing activity levels.
The welfare of commercial broilers is severely compromised by extreme growth rates, high stocking densities, and barren environments. Enrichment alone cannot compensate for genetic selection for unsustainable growth. However, within current production systems, well-designed enrichment measurably reduces suffering. The most meaningful welfare improvements come from slower-growing breeds, lower densities, and natural light - changes that require industry and policy commitment.