 If litter is not kept at an acceptable moisture level, very high bacterial loads and unsanitary growing conditions may result producing odors (including ammonia), insect problems (particularly flies), soiled feathers, footpad lesions and breast bruises or blisters.This can affect the health and mortality rate of the flock, and could result in quality issues when birds reared under such poor conditions reach the processing plant.In a well-managed broiler house, litter moisture normally averages between 25 and 35 percent.