Chicken Lighting Welfare in Broiler Production

Lighting programmes in broiler chicken houses have major welfare implications, affecting sleep, activity, skeletal development, and overall physical and psychological wellbeing.

Key Facts

Historically many broiler facilities used 23 hours of light daily to maximise feeding and growth
Continuous bright light causes sleep deprivation and chronic stress in broiler chickens
Research shows that dim periods of at least 6 hours substantially improve broiler welfare and reduce leg problems
The EU bans continuous lighting and requires minimum dark periods in broiler Directive 2007/43/EC
Lighting colour and intensity also affect broiler welfare, with red wavelengths reducing feather pecking

Welfare Considerations

Broiler lighting welfare has improved significantly in jurisdictions that have adopted science-based regulations. Continuous or near-continuous light stimulates feeding and growth but denies birds the sleep necessary for neurological development, immune function, and psychological wellbeing. Sleep deprivation in broilers causes elevated stress responses and may contribute to the metabolic and cardiovascular problems that are common in fast-growing commercial breeds. Minimum dark periods of 6 hours, reduced light intensity, and gradual dimming programmes have been shown to improve welfare without unacceptable production impacts. Consumer demand for higher-welfare products supports adoption beyond minimum legal requirements.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken products certified to higher welfare standards that require appropriate lighting programmes
Advocate for adoption of EU-equivalent lighting standards in broiler production globally
Support research into the welfare impacts of different lighting regimes on broiler chickens
Learn about the connection between lighting management and broiler welfare outcomes
Reduce consumption of intensively farmed chicken from systems with inadequate lighting welfare standards