Farm Animals

Keel Bone Fractures in Laying Hens

Keel bone fractures affect the majority of laying hens in all housing systems and represent one of the most significant welfare problems in the egg industry.

Key Facts

Studies find keel bone damage in over 50% of hens in cage-free and free-range systems
Up to 80% of hens in some flocks have keel bone fractures by end of lay
Keel bone fractures cause chronic pain affecting movement, perching, and egg-laying
Fractures often go undetected because hens hide pain as a survival instinct
The keel bone problem has worsened as hens have been bred for high egg production

Welfare Considerations

Keel bone fractures represent a systemic failure of welfare even in supposedly higher-welfare systems. Cage-free hens — marketed as having better lives — often have more keel damage due to collisions with perches and other structures. Addressing this requires better perch design, lower stocking densities, breeding for bone strength, and routine post-mortem assessment. Pain management at farm level remains extremely limited.

What You Can Do

Support certifications that require keel bone monitoring
Advocate for breeding programs prioritising bone strength
Choose eggs from producers actively addressing keel bone welfare
Support research into analgesic use in commercial laying flocks
Raise awareness that welfare problems exist in all egg production systems