Laying Hen Management at End of Production

The final phase of laying hen production involves decisions about extension of production, moulting, or depopulation; welfare considerations apply throughout this often-neglected production stage.

Key Facts

Induced moulting through feed restriction is banned in the EU but common elsewhere
Spent hens are of low market value creating commercial pressure against welfare investment at this stage
RSPCA Assured prohibits induced moulting and specifies welfare standards for spent hen slaughter
Spent hens can live many more productive years in backyard systems beyond commercial production cycles

Welfare Considerations

The end-of-lay period receives disproportionately little welfare attention relative to its significance. Hens at end of production are physiologically stressed from calcium depletion, have weakened bones, and face the additional welfare costs of transport to slaughter with inadequate standards for their fragile condition. The low market value of spent hens creates systemic under-investment in welfare at this stage. Welfare standards that specifically address spent hen transport and slaughter conditions, alongside bans on induced moulting, close an important gap in comprehensive laying hen welfare protection.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs from producers with documented welfare standards for spent hen management
Advocate for welfare standards specifically covering spent hen transport and slaughter
Raise awareness that end-of-lay welfare is a gap in comprehensive egg production welfare standards