End-of-flock depopulation of laying hens involves removing hens from houses at the end of lay, a process associated with significant welfare risks from rough handling.
Depopulation is a high-risk welfare event where injury rates depend critically on catcher training, flock condition, and house design. Spent hens with osteoporosis from egg production are particularly fragile and prone to fractures. Training standards for depopulation crews, CCTV monitoring, and welfare audits of catching operations are the priority improvements needed.