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

Nutritional deficiencies or restricted access to feed are often the initial triggers that lead hens to start feather pecking and eventually cannibalism, but they are not the only causes. 

Excessive lighting, lack of space and hygiene, inadequate housing, or aggression can also act as stress factors that induce pecking behavior.

When birds are raised under proper conditions, with adequate nutrition, sufficient space, and ensured welfare, they are free to express natural and healthy behaviors.

Continue reading to learn how to prevent cannibalism in laying hens and understand the importance of following animal welfare requirements.

Warning signs that hens may develop cannibalistic behavior

Just as multiple factors can stress laying hens to the point of cannibalism, there are also clear signs that indicate when birds may be developing this abnormal behavior. Producers should watch for: 

• Sudden changes in flock management, including staff changes;
• Downy feathers appearing on the dorsal tail area, or broken feathers on the tail, wings, or behind the head;
• Competition for feed and water at feeders and drinkers; 
• Declining egg production;
• Birds living in excessive dirt or showing body wounds; 
• Birds with more abdominal fat than normal;
• Restricted or prevented access to outdoor areas in free-range systems (birds may become frustrated when confined indoors).

Individually or together, these signs indicate that essential management practices may be inadequate.

The earlier feather pecking is detected, the lower the production losses and welfare impacts. If no action is taken, the situation can escalate into severe cannibalism.

How to prevent this behavior

One effective way to prevent cannibalism is to follow an animal welfare program such as Certified Humane®, which helps: 

• Prevent lice, parasites, and diseases;
• Keep dogs and other predators away from the flock;
• Provide a balanced diet in adequate quantities;
• Maintain clean housing free of sharp objects, excessive lighting, and improper temperatures;
• Provide sufficient bedding, perches, feeders, and drinkers for all birds;
• Ensure trained staff handle birds calmly and carefully;
• Perform minimal beak trimming if necessary, in accordance with animal welfare standards;

These measures are essential for cage-free poultry production throughout all life stages, ensuring proper management and preventing stress-induced behavioral changes such as cannibalism.

Importance of following welfare requirements for hens

Clear, objective, and purpose-driven, welfare requirements for laying hens provide producers with a compassionate production standard to follow.

Internationally proven, the Certified Humane® animal welfare standard improves animals’ lives while producing high-quality products.

→ Laying hen production: learn the requirements for pullet rearing and flock management.

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.