Keel bone fractures are among the most significant welfare problems in laying hens, affecting up to 80% of hens in some flocks, with perch design playing a critical role in prevention.
Keel bone fractures represent a major unaddressed welfare crisis in commercial egg production. Pain from fractured keels reduces laying performance, activity, and quality of life. The shift to non-cage systems, while eliminating cage confinement, paradoxically increased keel fracture rates as hens navigate multi-tier aviaries. Evidence supports that rounded perch edges, appropriate perch height, and gradual aviary introduction training reduce fracture incidence. Breeding for bone strength and robust skeletal development offers long-term solutions. Industry adoption of fracture-reducing perch standards remains slow despite strong welfare evidence.