Laying hens in commercial operations die at high rates from disease, pecking injuries, and stress-related conditions, with welfare standards determining mortality significantly.
High flock mortality is both an economic and welfare indicator. Birds that survive commercial laying often do so in chronic pain from beak trimming, feather loss, and foot disorders. The cycle of welfare failure — barren conditions causing aggression causing beak trimming causing pain — demonstrates how low baseline welfare drives further welfare harms.