Farmed Animals

Broiler Stocking Density and Welfare

Broiler stocking density is one of the most important welfare determinants in chicken meat production worldwide.

Key Facts

Commercial broilers in the UK can be stocked at up to 39 kg per square metre
High density limits movement, increases aggression, and worsens litter conditions
Lower stocking densities of 25-30 kg improve gait, reduce lameness, and lower mortality
The EU Broiler Directive allows 33 kg/m2 as standard with derogations up to 42 kg/m2
Higher-welfare certifications such as RSPCA Assured set lower density limits

Welfare Considerations

High stocking density is a major driver of broiler welfare problems including lameness, hock burn, and respiratory disease. Reducing density is one of the most effective single interventions to improve broiler welfare, enabling birds to walk, forage, and express normal behaviours.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken certified under lower stocking density welfare schemes
Support campaigns for lower maximum stocking densities in law
Reduce chicken consumption or switch to higher-welfare alternatives
Ask your supermarket about its broiler welfare commitments