Poultry Welfare

Laying Hen Mortality: Welfare Challenges in Modern Flocks

Mortality rates in laying hen flocks are an important welfare indicator, with high mortality often reflecting underlying welfare problems.

Key Facts

Mortality rates in commercial laying hen flocks typically range from 3-10% per year
Skeletal problems due to calcium depletion cause significant mortality in older hens
Feather pecking escalating to cannibalism causes mortality in all housing systems
End-of-lay mortality increases as hens age and nutritional demands exceed intake
Mortality data is used as a welfare outcome indicator in some certification schemes

Welfare Considerations

Mortality in laying hen flocks is a useful welfare indicator because it aggregates multiple welfare problems including disease, injury, and behavioral issues. High mortality signals welfare problems that require investigation rather than acceptance. Bone health management, feather pecking prevention, and good stockmanship all contribute to reduced mortality and improved welfare across the flock.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs from flocks with documented low mortality rates
Advocate for mortality data to be publicly available as a welfare transparency measure
Support research into reducing laying hen mortality through welfare improvements
Ask egg producers about their approach to flock mortality monitoring