Poultry Litter Management and Broiler Hock Burn

Hock burn - contact dermatitis on broiler chickens' hocks - is directly linked to wet litter conditions and is a key welfare indicator used in farm assessments across Europe.

Key Facts

Hock burn affects up to 80% of broilers on some UK farms, scoring systems rate severity 0-4
EU regulations now require litter quality monitoring and hock burn scoring as routine welfare checks
Wet litter results from drinker leaks, high stocking density, poor ventilation and excessive dietary protein
Severe hock burn (scores 3-4) indicates chronic pain and is correlated with lameness and reduced activity
Better litter management - lower density, drinker maintenance, ventilation improvements - can reduce prevalence significantly

Welfare Considerations

Hock burn is one of the most measurable and widespread welfare problems in broiler production. It causes chronic pain and restricts normal movement - a bird with painful hocks walks less, accesses food and water less, and has reduced quality of life throughout its short life. The fact that it is preventable makes its high prevalence a moral failure of current production systems. Breed selection also plays a role: slower-growing breeds show lower hock burn rates. Welfare-conscious consumers should look for higher welfare certifications that mandate litter management standards.

What You Can Do

Choose RSPCA Assured, Organic or higher welfare broiler products with litter quality standards
Support campaigning for mandatory hock burn monitoring and maximum prevalence thresholds
Ask supermarkets to publish supplier hock burn scores
Advocate for slower-growing breed requirements which reduce hock burn rates
Reduce chicken consumption or choose certified higher welfare products