Broiler Enrichment and Natural Behaviour

Providing enrichment for broiler chickens allows expression of natural behaviours that significantly improve welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Broilers have strong motivation to perch, dustbathe and forage even at young ages
Platforms and perches at low heights are accessible even to fast-growing breeds
Dustbathing in litter is an important comfort behaviour that standard housing supports if litter quality is adequate
Bales of straw or pecking blocks provide foraging enrichment that reduces injurious pecking
Natural light including exposure to outdoor areas significantly improves broiler behaviour
RSPCA Assured and Better Chicken Commitment require minimum enrichment provisions
Enriched housing shows lower rates of hock burns, pododermatitis and leg disorders in some studies

Welfare Considerations

Broiler enrichment represents one of the most achievable welfare improvements in intensive chicken production. The behaviours enrichment enables - perching, dustbathing, foraging - are strongly motivated and their expression is associated with improved welfare outcomes. Enrichment provision is increasingly required by welfare certifications and should become standard practice. The cost is low relative to welfare benefit.

What You Can Do

Choose Better Chicken Commitment or RSPCA Assured chicken that requires enrichment provision
Ask chicken product suppliers about their enrichment standards and natural light access
Support certification schemes requiring evidence-based enrichment in broiler housing
Advocate for minimum enrichment requirements in broiler welfare legislation