Farmed Hen Perch Use and Skeletal Health Benefits

Perch access in laying hen systems provides critical welfare benefits for bone strength, natural roosting behavior, and predator avoidance motivation that are absent in cage systems.

Key Facts

Hens have a strong motivation to roost at height — a predator avoidance behavior retained from wild ancestors
Perch use increases bone breaking strength by up to 50% compared to hens without perch access
At least 15 cm of perch space per hen is required for simultaneous roosting behavior
Perch height and accessibility determine the welfare benefit — poorly designed perches are underused
Keel bone fractures are more common in hens that fall from perches — perch design matters critically
In cage-free systems, hens that do not use perches show poorer bone health outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Perch access is among the most impactful single welfare improvements in laying hen housing. The motivation to roost at height is deeply embedded in hen behavior — birds in barren environments attempt to roost on any elevated surface available. Beyond behavioral need, perch use provides measurable skeletal benefits through mechanical loading that maintains bone density and reduces the keel bone fracture epidemic endemic to commercial flocks. Perch design is critical — poorly placed or spaced perches that cause falls create new fracture risks. Well-designed aviary systems with appropriate perch spacing and height achieve the behavioral and skeletal benefits without excessive injury risk.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs from aviary or free-range systems with documented perch provision and use monitoring
Advocate for minimum perch space standards in all laying hen welfare regulations
Support research into optimal perch design that maximizes skeletal benefit while minimizing fall injuries
Ask producers about their perch specifications and keel bone fracture monitoring programs
Reduce egg consumption from enriched colony cage systems that provide inadequate perch space