Broiler Chicken Lighting Welfare Science

Lighting regimes in broiler sheds have significant impacts on chicken welfare, affecting activity, sleep, bone health, and behaviour - with strong scientific evidence for reform.

Key Facts

Early commercial practice kept broilers under near-continuous light (23L:1D) to maximise feeding and growth
Darkness deprivation causes sleep disruption and chronic fatigue in fast-growing chickens
EU law now requires minimum 6 hours darkness per 24 hours in broiler sheds
Research shows chickens have a strong circadian rhythm and sleep need
Providing 8+ hours dark with proper lux levels improves activity patterns and reduces leg problems
Natural or spectrum-appropriate lighting also improves bird welfare and reduces fearfulness

Welfare Considerations

Lighting manipulation in broiler production is a significant welfare issue that received insufficient attention for decades. Chickens deprived of adequate darkness cannot fulfil their natural sleep requirements, leading to fatigue and compromised immune function. There is now good scientific consensus that minimum darkness periods are essential. Higher-welfare standards (RSPCA Assured, Better Chicken Commitment) specify enhanced lighting requirements including darkness periods and minimum lux levels during active periods, with positive welfare effects well-documented.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken products certified to higher welfare standards specifying lighting requirements
Support the Better Chicken Commitment which includes lighting welfare criteria
Reduce chicken consumption or choose welfare-assured products
Ask supermarkets and restaurants about their broiler welfare commitments including lighting standards
Engage with policy discussions on minimum lighting standards for poultry
Support research into optimal lighting for broiler welfare and productivity