During production, breeders are often housed in partial litter/partial slatted floors. The advantage of a partial slat is that the litter quality normally remains better, because the birds sleep on the slats. This means that a lot of manure is produced on the slats and collected under them. Also spillage of water has less influence on litter quality, as the drinkers are normally placed on the slats.

Another advantage is that the number of floor eggs is usually reduced when partial slatted floors are used. This is because the birds are more eager to come to the nest, but also because some of the floor eggs are produced on the slats, broken and not found anymore. This gives an apparent reduction of floor eggs, although in reality the difference is less than assumed. Moreover, when slats are used, the bird density can be slightly increased, due to the better litter quality.

The size of the slats can vary between a small slat just in front of the nest and 50% slats. More than 50% is not recommended, as it can impair mating activity and with that fertility.

The height from the litter to the slats should be limited, as heavy broiler breeders will have difficulties jumping on too high slats. If the height of the slats above the litter exceeds 40 cm, perches or ladders should be mounted to help the birds overcome the height.

Normally one of the following three types of slats are used,
- wire slats, made of metal wire mounted on wooden frames
- wooden slats, either made of hard wood, soft wood or bamboo
- plastic slats, often placed on a galvanized frame work.

Wire slats are not recommended, because heavy breeders have not enough leg support from it, and injuries will occur more easily. For all types, sharp edges has to be avoided, as injuries on foot pads will lead to leg problems like lameness, lack of mobility, etc., and will eventually lead to increase mortality, more floor eggs and loss of fertility