Farmed Animals

End-of-Lay Hen Welfare and Depopulation

The end of the laying cycle represents one of the highest welfare risk periods for hens, with depopulation methods varying significantly in welfare impact.

Key Facts

Laying hens are typically depopulated at 72-80 weeks of age when production declines
Whole house gassing with CO2 or controlled atmosphere stunning are the most humane mass killing methods
Catching, crating, and transport to slaughter causes acute stress and injury in end-of-lay hens
Bone fractures during catching and transport affect 25-35% of end-of-lay hens
On-farm killing avoids transport stress but requires high standards for humane implementation

Welfare Considerations

End-of-lay depopulation represents one of the highest acute welfare risk periods in the laying hen production cycle. Catching, transport, and slaughter of birds that may have osteoporosis and fragile bones causes high rates of injury. Controlled atmosphere killing methods applied within the house avoid transport stress and can be implemented with minimal handling. Welfare standards for end-of-lay depopulation require specific attention.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards that specify humane depopulation requirements for end-of-lay hens
Advocate for controlled atmosphere killing as an alternative to transport slaughter
Raise awareness about end-of-lay depopulation as a major welfare event in laying hen production
Support research into welfare-conscious depopulation methods
Choose egg products from farms with documented end-of-lay welfare protocols