Layer Hen Bone Health and Welfare

Osteoporosis and bone fractures are among the most significant welfare problems in laying hens, caused by the calcium demands of high egg production.

Key Facts

An estimated 35% of laying hens have at least one bone fracture at the time of slaughter
High egg production depletes medullary bone calcium reserves, causing structural weakness
Cage-free hens that use perches and exercise more have stronger bones than caged hens
Breed selection for extreme egg production is the primary driver of skeletal problems
Fractures during catching and transport to slaughter are a significant and largely invisible welfare harm

Welfare Considerations

Osteoporosis-related bone fractures in laying hens represent a severe and largely invisible welfare harm because hens continue laying despite fractures, and the injury is only discovered at slaughter. The metabolic calcium demands of producing an egg a day exceed what dietary supplementation can fully compensate for at high production intensities. Selecting for lower production rates or more structurally robust breeds could significantly reduce this welfare burden, alongside providing exercise opportunities that strengthen bones.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs from lower-intensity production systems with demonstrated bone health outcomes
Support research into breed selection for bone health alongside production performance
Advocate for catching and transport welfare standards that reduce fracture rates
Donate to hen welfare research programs studying skeletal health
Support campaigns for reduced laying intensity through breed standard reform