Keel bone fractures affect the majority of laying hens in commercial production, causing chronic pain; perch design, breed selection, and calcium nutrition are key welfare interventions.
Keel bone fractures represent one of the most prevalent and underappreciated welfare problems in laying hen production. The majority of commercial laying hens fracture their keel bone at some point during their laying period, causing chronic pain that reduces their quality of life throughout. Unlike other welfare problems that are obvious to observers, fractured keels are invisible and the affected hens continue to produce eggs. The problem occurs across all housing systems including cage-free and free-range, making it a welfare priority that cannot be solved simply by providing outdoor access.