Commercial broiler chickens in barren environments show reduced welfare compared to birds given perches, pecking substrates, and natural light — enrichment interventions are proven and practical.
Barren, high-density broiler environments prevent expression of natural behaviours including foraging, dustbathing, and perching. This causes boredom, frustration, and increased fearfulness. Even simple enrichment provision — straw bales, perches, natural light — significantly improves welfare measures. Cost of enrichment is low relative to the welfare benefit for billions of birds annually.