Perching is a fundamental behavioural need for chickens, providing safety, rest and expression of natural roosting instincts, yet is often poorly provided even in enriched cage systems.
Keel bone fractures are extremely common and cause chronic pain that affects feeding, mobility and social behaviour. Hens with fractures show reduced activity and altered movement patterns indicating pain experience. Perch design and height significantly influence fracture rates. The welfare cost of keel bone disease is one of the most significant in commercial egg production.