Laying Hen Welfare: Keel Bone Fractures

Keel bone fractures affect 50-80% of laying hens in commercial flocks — a largely invisible epidemic of chronic pain that is one of the most significant welfare problems in the egg industry.

Key Facts

50-80% of hens in cage-free systems develop keel bone fractures during their laying year
Fractures caused by collisions with perches, falls from height and calcium loss during laying
Fractures are painful — hens with fractures show reduced activity, altered gait and pain face responses
Keel bone fracture rates vary significantly between breeds and housing systems
X-ray or palpation is required for diagnosis — not visible from welfare inspections alone

Welfare Considerations

Keel bone fracture welfare represents one of the largest unresolved animal welfare problems in UK agriculture. The shift to cage-free housing — a genuine welfare improvement for most behavioural needs — increased fracture prevalence by requiring hens to fly and jump rather than remain on flat cage floors. Perch design significantly affects fracture risk: cushioned perches, appropriate height and number, and gradual ramps all reduce collision-related fractures. Breed differences in bone mineralisation affect fracture susceptibility — slower-maturing breeds show lower rates. Industry-level welfare improvement requires action on perch design standards, breed selection for bone quality and monitoring frequency. Until these are addressed, millions of laying hens live with chronic bone pain in systems that are simultaneously better than cages in other respects.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs from farms certified to higher welfare standards monitoring keel bone welfare
Ask retailers about their supplier requirements for keel bone fracture monitoring
Support research into keel bone fracture prevention through perch design improvement
Donate to Compassion in World Farming campaigns for laying hen welfare standards
Advocate for keel bone fracture monitoring as a mandatory welfare indicator in farm assurance