Farm Animals

From Hen to Egg: Understanding Production System Welfare

Understanding the welfare journey from laying hen to the egg on your plate requires knowledge of housing systems, flock management, and the welfare of birds whose lives are dedicated to egg production.

Key Facts

A single laying hen produces approximately 300 eggs per year for 12-18 months
Molting practices to extend laying can involve feed restriction causing welfare compromise
End-of-lay hens are typically slaughtered at 72-80 weeks of age
Spent hen welfare at slaughter receives less attention than broiler or chick welfare
Higher-welfare certification schemes cover the full production cycle including end-of-lay management

Welfare Considerations

The welfare of laying hens encompasses the full production cycle from rearing through to end-of-lay slaughter. While housing system welfare receives the most public attention, flock management practices including molting, beak treatment, and end-of-lay handling all affect the total welfare experience of individual birds. Comprehensive welfare assessment requires attention to all lifecycle stages.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs from certification schemes covering the full production cycle welfare
Advocate for end-of-lay welfare standards including slaughter requirements
Support backyard egg keeping as a higher-welfare alternative where appropriate
Donate to organizations working on comprehensive laying hen welfare
Engage with egg producers about their end-of-lay management practices