Poultry Litter Quality and Bird Welfare

Litter quality in broiler houses directly affects the welfare of millions of chickens through its impact on foot health, air quality, and opportunities for natural behaviour.

Key Facts

Poor litter quality causes hock burn and footpad dermatitis in broiler chickens
Ammonia from wet litter damages respiratory tissue and causes eye irritation
Dry, friable litter allows dust bathing - a fundamental chicken behaviour
Stocking density, ventilation, and water management all affect litter quality
RSPCA Assured requires litter scoring and maximum footpad dermatitis limits
Footpad dermatitis is used as a welfare outcome measure at slaughter in some EU countries

Welfare Considerations

Litter quality is a practical, measurable welfare determinant that affects every bird in a flock simultaneously. Wet litter causes ammonia release that irritates eyes and respiratory tract in both chickens and stockpeople. Footpad dermatitis lesions develop when birds stand on wet substrate - causing pain that alters gait and reduces activity. Dry, friable litter allows dust bathing - a high-priority natural behaviour. Monitoring litter quality through regular scoring enables early intervention before welfare indicators decline. Footpad dermatitis scoring at slaughter provides objective welfare outcome data linked to specific farm management practices. This creates accountability for litter quality through the supply chain.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken certified to RSPCA Assured standards including litter quality requirements
Support mandatory footpad dermatitis scoring at slaughter as a welfare outcome measure
Advocate for litter quality monitoring to be included in all poultry welfare legislation
Back research into litter management systems that maintain quality at higher stocking densities
Engage with RSPCA campaign materials on broiler welfare indicators including litter quality