Based on scientific research, professional recommendations, and recognized best animal-management practices, the animal welfare standard for broiler production developed by Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) presents the approved Certified Humane® requirements for the rearing, handling, transport, and slaughter of broiler chickens. A full chapter (Part 3 – Environment) of the standard is dedicated to facilities.

Would you like to learn more about how to design housing that promotes broiler welfare, including flooring type, bedding, electrical systems, and optimal lighting design? Read on.

Facility records that support welfare

The Certified Humane® program requires a record for each flock that includes a checklist of critical control points related to bird welfare. This record must be continuously updated and readily available whenever an HFAC inspector requests it.

The checklist of critical points must include:

• Total area available to the birds;
• Total number of birds;
• Total number of drinkers and feeders or total linear feeder space;
• Feeding program;
• Target air-quality and temperature parameters by age;
• Lighting schedule and levels;
• Emergency procedures (for example, actions in case of fire, flooding, automatic equipment failure, or when ammonia or temperature exceed acceptable limits).

Electrical Installations

When designing electrical systems, it is essential to ensure that:

• Birds cannot access them;
• They are properly insulated;
• They are protected from rodents;
• They are correctly grounded;
• They are periodically checked for electrical leakage.

Floor Design

Broiler housing must have flooring that can be effectively cleaned and disinfected to prevent the buildup of parasites and disease-causing agents.

Concrete floors are recommended instead of dirt floors because they allow more effective cleaning and disinfection.

Concrete Floors

Concrete floors in broiler houses must be solid, smooth, and durable. They should not have large holes or cracks, and any damage must be properly repaired.

Bedding

All broiler housing must have the entire floor covered with suitable bedding that provides comfort. Birds must have continuous access to this bedding.

Appropriate broiler litter must:

• Consist of material with suitable particle size;
• Be high quality (clean, dry, low dust, and absorbent);
• Be turned to remain loose and dry;
• Have sufficient depth to dilute droppings;
• Prevent excessive fecal contamination of birds’ feet;
• Allow birds to perform dust-bathing behavior;
• Be periodically redistributed and topped up with fresh material when needed.

Lighting Program Design

Certified Humane® standards require that the lighting program in broiler facilities be designed to reduce leg problems and ensure adequate rest. Birds must receive at least six continuous hours of darkness each day.

Light Intensity

Throughout the day, lighting levels must allow birds to see caretakers and enable easy inspection. The lighting system must provide an average of at least 20 lux across the entire housing area.

→ Want to learn more about broiler chicken welfare? Access the full HFAC Broiler Production Standard: https://download.certifiedhumaneasia.org/chickens-broiler

Brazil has already reached the mark of 49 billion eggs produced, according to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA). Most of this production still comes from cage confinement systems, and there are many questions about how to raise cage-free laying hens. However, the truth is that this production method, which prioritizes animal welfare, is simpler than most people imagine.

The cage-free laying hen system eliminates any type of cage confinement. In this model, birds are housed in barns with access to nests and perches, where they can move freely and express their natural behaviors.

Good practices for raising cage-free laying hens

Caring about animal welfare means going beyond simply eliminating cages. To raise cage-free laying hens, it is important to consider several factors, such as nutrition, management, and handling.

To begin with, poultry houses must have good ventilation and adequate lighting. To maintain ideal temperatures, especially in regions with excessive heat, facilities should be equipped with fans or exhaust systems.

From the fourth week of age onward, birds must have access to perches, with a minimum space allowance of 7.5 cm per bird. Beak trimming, when performed, must be done within the first 10 days of life.

In addition, laying hens must receive a balanced diet appropriate for their age, free from ingredients derived from mammals or birds and free from preventive antibiotics or growth promoters, including coccidiostats (vaccination is permitted).

Regarding feeding, it is essential to provide a sufficient number of feeders and drinkers to prevent competition among birds during meals.

For proper management of cage-free laying hen systems, everyone involved in daily handling must be trained and knowledgeable about good practices and appropriate animal handling methods, always avoiding stress and fear.

The presence of an adequate number of nests and perches is essential for birds to express their natural behaviors. At least one individual nest must be provided for every five birds, or 0.8 square meters of communal nesting area for every 100 birds. For laying hens, the facility must provide 15 cm of perch space per bird. Dust bathing is a highly valued natural behavior, so clean and dry litter on the barn floor is essential.

It is also important to monitor birds twice daily to check temperature, humidity, and air velocity conditions.

4 tips for raising cage-free laying hens

Many large companies such as McDonald’s, Burger King, and Giraffas have already announced that starting in 2025 they will use only eggs sourced from cage-free systems. This is the market trend. If you are a producer planning to transition to this model, or if you already operate this way and want to increase safety for your laying hens, consider the following tips:

1. Prioritize hygiene

Hygiene begins at the farm entrance: controlling vehicle and human access is essential.

Appropriate clothing must be provided for visitors and employees.

Facilities where animals are housed must be cleaned regularly.

2. Adjust the structure

A cage-free laying hen facility does not require major investments. Much of the structure can be built using low-cost materials such as straw and wood.

The floor should be covered with high-quality substrate to improve bird comfort. It is also important to avoid structures or equipment where birds could hide, become trapped, injured, or unable to escape.

3. Invest in biosecurity

Facilities must be built in areas isolated from access by other animals, including domestic animals.

If trees are used in outdoor areas, non-fruiting species should be selected and kept well-pruned to prevent use by wild birds.

4. Have an emergency plan

Every poultry farm must have an emergency plan for adverse situations, as well as equipment to respond to these scenarios, such as an owned or rented generator, ensuring that issues like power outages do not interrupt the daily supply of feed and water. In times of pandemic, such a plan becomes even more important.

To learn more about how to raise cage-free laying hens, also check out our free resource: Digital Guide for Laying Hens.

Intensive production systems often ignore the basic needs of these animals, leading to overcrowded spaces, poor thermal comfort, inadequate lighting, and unbalanced diets. That’s where the Certified Humane label becomes essential. It establishes strict handling standards that prioritize the health, natural behaviors, and dignity of broilers throughout their entire lifecycle.

To clarify key doubts and demonstrate how certification promotes a more ethical and responsible production model, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about broiler chicken welfare. This content is valuable for both producers and conscious consumers.

How is broiler chicken welfare ensured?

Animal welfare is guaranteed when chickens are raised in environments that meet their physical, behavioral, and physiological needs. This includes balanced nutrition, continuous access to clean water, sufficient space for movement, temperature control, effective ventilation and proper lighting.

What are Certified Humane standards for broilers?

The Certified Humane® program is based on eight core pillars:

• Nutritious feed without growth-promoting antibiotics;

• Ample clean drinking water;

• Comfortable housing with space to move;

• Dry, safe bedding;

• Lighting with defined light and dark periods;

• Thermal comfort;

• Air quality control;

• Proper pasture management when outdoor access is provided.

What is humane broiler farming?

It’s a farming model that respects chickens’ natural behaviors and basic needs. This means ensuring conditions that minimize stress, avoid physical suffering and promote health and quality of life from birth to slaughter.

What are the requirements for certified poultry houses?

Poultry houses must allow free movement, protection from weather and toxins, environmental enrichment – such as perches, controlled lighting and a maximum stocking density of 30 kg/m². Electrical installations must also meet safety standards.

What should broiler chickens be fed?

Feed must be nutritionally appropriate and provided in sufficient quantity to avoid undernourishment or obesity. Growth-promoting antibiotics and animal protein (except eggs) are prohibited. Feeders must be clean, available in sufficient numbers and placed no more than 4 meters from the birds.

Can broilers eat feed with antibiotics?

No. Certified Humane standards prohibit the use of antibiotics for growth promotion. The focus is on keeping birds healthy through good management practices, not additives that may harm welfare.

What is the ideal stocking density for broiler houses?

The maximum allowed is 30 kg of birds per square meter. This ensures all birds can move freely, stretch their wings and access food and water without excessive competition.

Why should overcrowding be avoided?

Overcrowding increases stress, promotes the spread of disease and can cause physical injuries like footpad burns. It also makes it harder for birds to access food and water evenly, compromising overall welfare.

What should broiler floors and bedding be like?

Floors should preferably be concrete, with bedding that is dry, clean, absorbent, and dust-free at all times. Wire flooring and cages are prohibited. Bedding may include straw or grains to encourage natural scratching behavior.

What is the best type of drinker for broilers?

Drinkers may be bell-type (1 per 100 birds), nipple (1 per 20), or cup (1 per 28). Height must match the birds’ age, and equipment must avoid leaks that could wet the bedding.

Do broilers need outdoor access?

Not necessarily. However, if pasture access is provided, it must be well managed, with appropriate vegetation, shade, good drainage, and at least 1 hectare per 1,000 birds. Daily access for a minimum of 8 hours is required.

What is free-range broiler farming?

It refers to systems that provide outdoor access in protected natural areas. Birds can explore the outdoors from the fourth week of life. This system enables natural behaviors and can improve welfare, if properly managed.

How should temperature be managed for broilers?

Broilers must maintain a body temperature around 41°C. Variations above 4°C can be fatal. Poultry houses need efficient ventilation and, for those built after 2006, evaporative cooling systems are recommended.

What are the lighting requirements for broilers?

Chickens must receive at least 8 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness every 24 hours. This helps regulate biological rhythms, improves rest, and reduces stress.

How can stress be reduced in broiler production?

Through proper housing, controlled stocking density, environmental enrichment, defined light/dark cycles, balanced diet, and gentle handling. Stress weakens the immune system and impairs bird development.

Can flooring cause leg pain in broilers?

Yes. Wet, dirty, or inappropriate flooring can cause foot and hock injuries known as contact burns. These lesions are painful, increase the risk of infection, and impair movement.

What is environmental enrichment in poultry houses?

It involves adding elements that stimulate natural behaviors, such as perches, pecking objects, and foraging substrates. Enrichment reduces boredom and stress, improving psychological well-being.

How to improve ventilation in poultry houses?

Using mechanical or natural systems that ensure constant air renewal, temperature control, and contaminant reduction. In newer houses, evaporative cooling systems are recommended.

How to ensure good air quality for broilers?

Maintain low concentrations of ammonia, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and dust. Adequate ventilation and regular cleaning are essential to prevent respiratory diseases.

What practices are prohibited in Certified Humane broiler farming?

The use of cages, growth-promoting antibiotics, animal protein in feed (except eggs), wire flooring, continuous lighting without darkness, and overcrowding. These go against the welfare principles of the Certified Humane program.

How to obtain the Certified Humane seal for broiler production?

Producers must fully comply with program standards, undergo audits, and maintain up-to-date records. The full standard is available on the Certified Humane Asia website for interested producers.

In this article, we break down the main myths and facts about animal welfare certification to show that the path toward more ethical and responsible production is more accessible than it seems. If you work with animal production or use animal-based products in your supply chain, this is worth reading.

Is certification really for everyone?

Yes. Contrary to popular belief, animal welfare certification does not depend on the size of the farm or company. What truly matters is the commitment to best practices. Both small and large producers can become certified, as long as they follow the standards and are organized to meet the established criteria.

Is it expensive?

No. The process involves clear and proportional fees based on the size of the operation. Costs include document review, on-site audits and annual renewal. In fact, certification can lead to long-term savings, animals raised with proper care get sick less often, are more productive and add value to the final product.

Is it a complicated process?

Another myth. The standards are objective and science-based. They guide how to ensure that animals have enough space, comfort, proper access to food and clean water, and live free from pain, stress and mistreatment. With proper planning and transparency, any producer can comply.

Why do these myths still exist?

Much of the resistance comes from misinformation. As with any improvement process, questions and hesitation are common. But the market has evolved, and consumers are paying more attention to the origin of what they consume. Being certified is also a way to stand out and strengthen your market position.

Is the Certified Humane® label truly reliable?

Yes. Since 2003, the program has been active in several countries, including Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru and the United States,certifying meat, dairy, and egg producers through rigorous and regular audits. The seal assures consumers that the product complies with international animal welfare standards.

There are no economic or geographic barriers for those who want to produce ethically. The first step is seeking reliable information. The Certified Humane® seal is within reach for anyone who values respect for farm animals and aims to offer more responsible products.

Want to learn more about how certification works and debunk the most common myths?

👉 Download the free guide “What You Need to Know to Certify Your Industrial Operation with an Animal Welfare Seal” and discover why this practice benefits producers, businesses, and consumers alike.

That’s why knowing the most common diseases and applying good practices in handling, nutrition, and biosecurity are essential steps toward ensuring a healthy and profitable production system.

What are the most common diseases in broiler chickens?

Below are some of the most frequent diseases found in broiler chickens and the risks they pose:

Newcastle Disease
Caused by a highly contagious virus, it affects domestic and wild birds. Often confused with other diseases, it impacts the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems.

Salmonellosis
Caused by bacteria from the Salmonella genus, it is often associated with environments that have high population density. It can lead to three different illnesses: pullorum disease, fowl typhoid, and paratyphoid.

Infectious Laryngotracheitis
A viral infection that affects the larynx, trachea and lungs. It is highly transmissible, presents a high mortality rate, and can result in considerable economic losses.

Infectious Coryza
It causes nasal discharge, swelling around the eyes, and in severe cases, destruction of the eyeball.

Infectious Bronchitis
Caused by a virus that affects the respiratory tract, kidneys, and reproductive system, it leads to significant production losses.

Avian Influenza

It is a major global concern. This virus can infect birds and mammals, including humans.

Other respiratory diseases also threaten flock health, such as avian pox, colibacillosis, mycoplasmosis and avian pneumovirus.

How to prevent disease in broiler chickens?

The best way to prevent disease is to ensure that animals are raised under conditions that promote animal welfare. This includes:

• A vaccination program tailored to the specific characteristics of the region and flock;
• Well-ventilated environments with adequate space and controlled temperature;
• Continuous access to clean, treated water;
• A balanced diet aligned with the birds’ growth stages;
• Strict hygiene of litter, equipment, and barns;
• Minimization of stress factors, such as excessive noise or overcrowding.

Raising birds in environments that meet these criteria strengthens their immune systems, making them less susceptible to diseases and more productive throughout their lifecycle.

Why is animal welfare essential in disease prevention?

Animals that experience less stress and have freedom of movement, along with continuous access to appropriate resources, tend to be more immunocompetent. This means their natural defenses are better equipped to fight off infections, reducing the need for antibiotics or other interventions.

By investing in animal welfare, producers not only improve the quality of the final product but also meet the requirements of both domestic and international markets and adding value to their brand.

Eight essential animal welfare aspects for broiler chickens

1. A balanced diet appropriate for age and developmental stage.
2. Clean, fresh water available at all times, with no leaks that may wet the litter.
3. Space that allows the expression of birds’ natural behaviors.
4. Clean, dry, and contamination-free flooring.
5. At least six hours of darkness per day and adequate shading if outdoor access is provided.
6. Controlled temperature and ventilation to avoid heat stress.
7. Air quality, with low levels of ammonia and dust.
8. Proper management of pasture access, when applicable, to prevent contamination.

The nutrition of broiler chickens can mitigate the effects of heat stress they may experience during their rearing. If not carefully managed, these animals may face more severe consequences due to heat stress at two key life stages: feeling cold during their first few weeks of life or experiencing heat before the slaughter period.

It is worth noting that the quality of broiler meat is significantly affected by temperature, which can interfere with the birds’ ability to retain water, maintain color, and regulate pH, thereby reducing the quality of derived products and the economic value of the cuts.

Thus, understanding the tools a balanced diet offers to support thermal balance—especially during these phases and amid extreme climate challenges such as heat—becomes an ally to environmental conditions in maintaining the animals’ quality of life.

In this article, learn how broiler chicken nutrition is a key element for maintaining their welfare and ensuring the quality of the final product.

Impacts of Nutrition on Broiler Chickens

The nutrition of broiler chickens can be an effective ally in minimizing heat stress. It serves as a vital tool due to the biological characteristics of these birds.

Chickens produce heat and constantly require internal thermal balance, known as homeothermy, particularly because their ability to dissipate heat is inefficient due to the lack of sweat glands.

Their ideal body temperature is around 41°C (105.8°F), and a slight increase of 4 or 5 degrees can lead to fatal consequences.

In this context, effective management of the heat generated by the birds can significantly enhance their welfare and the quality of the meat produced.

Balanced Diet

Dietary adjustments are essential for producers to regulate stress causes and use them as indicators to assess bird welfare.

One critical factor influenced by dietary nutrients is the respiratory quality of broiler chickens.

Thermal imbalance causes panting in the birds, leading to the formation of free radicals. When these radicals exceed the antioxidant capacity, oxidative stress occurs.

This type of heat stress can result from excessive cold or heat but tends to be more severe in response to heat challenges.

To balance the heat generated by metabolism, heat exchange with the environment, and evaporative losses, nutritional tools are essential.

Nutritional Tips to Mitigate Heat Stress

A diet that enables good nutrient absorption is vital for the metabolism of broiler chickens and directly impacts their gut health, as the birds’ feed efficiency is influenced by temperature.

This involves the balanced distribution of enzymes, vitamins, and amino acids that affect thermal regulation performance.

When developing diets, producers should consider the following aspects for broiler nutrition:

• Ingredients that enhance digestion;
• Diets supported by digestive enzymes;
• Nutrients to boost immunity;
• Focus on reducing oxidative stress.

The active components that can improve feed efficiency and increase nutritional efficacy are categorized into several groups:

• Amino acids and proteins: When used in moderation, they improve efficiency in the economic and environmental aspects of broiler metabolism.
• Enzymes: These promote gut health, reduce energy demands during digestion, and lower endogenous heat production.
• Vitamins: Especially when paired with zinc, selenium, and vitamins E and C, they help prevent oxidation and heat stress.
• Organic acids: These improve nutrient digestion, enhance immune response and antimicrobial action, and lower intestinal pH.
• Essential oils: These can act as natural growth promoters, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory agents. They also stimulate intestinal motility, increasing nutrient digestibility and absorption.

Interested in learning more about the certification process in broiler chicken production? Click here to download the Standards for Broiler Chicken Rearing.

Among other possible definitions, welfare is, in the words of Barry O. Hughes, “(…) a state of complete physical and mental health in which the animal is in harmony with its environment”. In order to give birds a life of wellbeing, it is necessary to use facilities, equipment and techniques, as well as staff training, that guarantee peaceful handling and low stress for animals and breeders. 

Stay with us and learn more about how knowing bird behavior can improve animal management and welfare!

Poultry behavior 

Understanding poultry behavior means being able to recognize signs of stress, illness and pain in animals, as well as identifying abnormal behaviors early on, in order to effectively manage these situations and create a balance between ethical production and economic profitability. The way they walk, eat, look, group together, fight or flee contributes to their survival – and their way of acting is determined by two types of behavior:

Innate behavior → Reactions pre-programmed even before the chicken’s birth that don’t depend on experience and are typical of the species, i.e. “birds are born knowing/doing them”. 

Learned behavior → Depends on the individual experiences of each bird, in other words, their behavior is shaped according to the positive or negative experiences they have. 

Omnivorous, farmed poultry eat anything from seeds to small invertebrates when given the opportunity and spend more than 90% of their time scratching and searching for food, even in places where feed is available. The bird’s sensory repertoire is stimulated by what it hears, smells and sees so that it reacts according to each situation. 

Chickens live in small groups of 5 to 30 individuals whose order is dictated by the dominance of some individuals and the submission of others. This social dynamic remains even when they are kept loose in sheds or aviaries. Body posture is an important sign of dominance, as are weight, size, age and genetics.

Escape zone 

The escape zone is a circular area around the bird that it has defined for itself according to its tolerance to the presence of strangers and threats before initiating an escape. The chicken tends to flee when this area is invaded, but in situations where there is no room to escape, they may stall or fight. 

When raised in large groups of other birds, the invasion of their individual space leads to increased stress and aggression.  

Sensory characteristics 

Poultry evaluate new stimuli through sight and hearing before reacting: if the reaction is fear, they can panic and jeopardize their own well-being, suffer bodily harm and result in economic losses. Fear generates reactions of fight, flight or fright (paralysis) and, when it realizes that there is no danger, it loses interest. 

The bird may stop consuming food if it is afraid or feels threatened. 

Vision

With their eyes located on the sides of their heads like all prey species, poultry have binocular vision (when they can see a narrow strip in front of them with both eyes), monocular vision (wide and panoramic to the sides) and a blind area (behind the body, making it easier for them to be caught from behind). They are animals that see colors but don’t perceive depth well, especially right in front of their head. 

Hearing and communication 

Hearing and vocalization are essential for birds: with a wide repertoire of vocalizations, birds provide information for others to hear and react quickly – in the case of the presence of predators, for example. 

Birds’ vocalizations change depending on the type of challenge they perceive. In the case of terrestrial predators, birds stand still, upright and emit rapid, low-pitched vocalizations. When they are aerial predators, they increase the intensity of their vocalizations while ducking and running for cover. 

Learned behavior 

Compared to pigs, cattle and sheep, chickens have a lower capacity for learning – their learning is generally focused on satisfying basic needs such as moving around the environment where they are being housed, choosing the best food, avoiding danger and recognizing people, as well as reacting according to environmental stimuli (light, temperature, the presence of other birds, for example).  

Even so, the previous experiences the chickens have had during handling will affect their future reactions to fear and stress. When they are raised in open environments, with a lower population density, and handled by people who move between them calmly and without sudden movements and loud noises, the birds are more docile, less reactive and fearful and can be stimulated to adapt to new situations more easily. 

→ Download the educational material How to Become a Certified Humane® Egg Operation