Poultry Litter Management and Hock Burn

Hock burn caused by contact dermatitis from wet litter is a significant welfare indicator in broiler chicken farming. Effective litter management prevents this painful condition.

Key Facts

Hock burn affects between 10% and 80% of broiler flocks depending on management quality, representing millions of birds in chronic pain
Wet litter results from excessive water spillage, poor ventilation, high stocking density, and disease
Hock burn severity is assessed on a 0-3 scale; scores of 2 and 3 indicate tissue damage and likely pain
EU regulations require remedial action when hock burn prevalence exceeds 25% at slaughter in a flock
Genetic selection for rapid growth creates metabolic disorders that reduce activity and increase litter contact time
Effective litter management including appropriate substrate, ventilation, and drinker management can reduce hock burn to near-zero

Welfare Considerations

Hock burn is simultaneously one of the most common and most preventable welfare problems in commercial poultry farming. The condition causes genuine pain and is a visible, measurable indicator of management quality. Its prevalence varies enormously between farms with similar genetics and stocking densities, demonstrating that management decisions are decisive. Regulatory frameworks that include hock burn monitoring at slaughter are valuable because they create accountability for flock welfare throughout the production cycle rather than only at inspection.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken from producers with documented low hock burn records
Support mandatory hock burn monitoring and public reporting requirements
Advocate for stocking density reductions that give birds more space and reduce litter degradation
Reduce chicken consumption or choose welfare-certified alternatives
Support organisations monitoring poultry welfare standards at farm and slaughter levels