Optimising the birds’ ability to move is essential to meet their basic needs. In recent years, the occurrence of lameness has been reduced through genetic selection. However, problems with the ability to walk can still be found on farms. There are various approaches in practice that can be used to prevent these problems, e.g. elevated platforms. By offering elevated platforms, additional structures can be created in the environment, which, promotes exploratory behaviour through the use of the third dimension.

Young chickens are particularly active and, therefore, get more opportunities to discover their housing environment, which supports locomotion. Furthermore, compared to resting places in the litter area, the use of elevated resting places promotes natural behaviour such as perching and allows for undisturbed resting. The provision of elevated platforms can thus improve animal health and welfare.