Broiler Leg and Foot Welfare: Lameness and Hock Burn in Chicken Production

Leg problems and foot disorders are among the most significant welfare issues in broiler chicken production, affecting millions of birds daily.

Key Facts

Lameness affects 15-30% of commercial broilers, representing one of the most common welfare problems in farming
Fast-growing hybrid breeds are disproportionately affected due to skeletal development failing to match muscle growth
Hock burn (contact dermatitis on legs) affects up to 80% of birds in some intensive systems
Poor litter quality is the primary driver of hock burn and footpad dermatitis
Slower-growing breeds have significantly lower lameness prevalence than conventional fast-growing strains

Welfare Considerations

Broiler leg welfare is a systemic problem created by genetic selection for extreme growth rates. The skeletal and cardiovascular systems cannot keep pace with muscle development, leading to structural weaknesses, varus valgus deformity, tibial dyschondroplasia, and other conditions causing pain and lameness. Hock burn from ammonia in wet litter causes chemical burns on leg joints, compounding suffering. Welfare improvements require breed reform toward slower-growing genetics, litter quality management, appropriate stocking densities, and lighting programmes that allow adequate rest. The Better Chicken Commitment and similar retailer pledges are driving industry improvement.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken from farms committed to the Better Chicken Commitment or equivalent standards
Advocate for breed reform away from extreme fast-growing genetics in poultry production
Support retailers demanding hock burn rate monitoring from their suppliers
Reduce chicken consumption or shift to higher welfare certified alternatives