Welfare of Commercial Egg-Laying Hens at End of Life

Spent hens at the end of their laying cycle represent a significant welfare concern due to transportation and slaughter conditions for low-value animals.

Key Facts

Spent hens are worth very little economically compared to broilers
They are more fragile than younger birds and suffer higher transport mortality
Maceration or gassing of spent flocks on-farm occurs in some operations
Live shackling of frail birds causes higher rates of injury than in younger birds
Some farms use controlled atmosphere killing which is considered more humane

Welfare Considerations

Spent hens at end-of-lay face welfare conditions that are often worse than during their productive lives. Transport of fragile birds causes high mortality and injury rates. Live-shackling systems that work reasonably well for heavier broilers cause significant injury to thin, fragile spent hens. Their low economic value means less attention is paid to welfare during catching and processing. The lack of economic incentive is precisely why regulatory intervention is essential for this population.

What You Can Do

Support controlled atmosphere killing requirements for poultry slaughter
Advocate for end-of-life welfare standards specific to spent laying hens
Choose eggs from farms with certified welfare programs covering end-of-life treatment
Support organizations advocating for poultry slaughter welfare reforms